ASTORIA, Ore. — A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Port Angeles assisted local search and rescue crews with the evacuation of an injured 33-year-old female hiker from Mount Larrabee in Washington’s Mount Baker Wilderness, Saturday.
The hiker sustained serious injuries after she fell 120 feet down a steep gully on the mountain’s south face and was unable to descend the mountain. Due to the location of the injured hiker and need to conduct the evacuation before sunset, the Washington State Emergency Management Division requested the Coast Guard’s assistance.
The Coast Guard aircrew searched the narrow gully for 40 minutes before spotting a reflection from hikers on the mountain, who led the aircrew to the injured female.
Operating at an altitude of 6,710 feet and with less than 10 minutes of fuel remaining to stay on scene, the aircrew successfully completed a precision hoist at approximately 8:40 p.m. and safely transported the hiker to Bellingham Airport, where emergency medical services from Bellingham Fire were waiting.
“This successful outcome is a direct result of the outstanding teamwork and rapid coordination between our agencies,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marshall Burtt, aircraft commander of the rescue. “I want to thank Whatcom County Search and Rescue, Bellingham Fire Department, as well as the hikers for their efforts. Equipped with advanced survival training and critical safety gear, the hiking party was uniquely prepared to serve as active partners during the rescue of their fellow hiker.”