Stranded hikers cling to steep California mountain ridge as helicopter crew swoops in
Three people stranded near the summit of Northern California’s Sierra Buttes were rescued by helicopter on Sunday after a satellite device sent an SOS. The operation required a helicopter hoist because the group was in a hazardous spot on steep, rugged terrain.
A rescue team member was lowered to reach the hikers, who were then hoisted aboard and flown to a landing zone where deputies were waiting. The mountain rises about 8,600 feet above the North Yuba River canyon; authorities did not say how the group became stranded or whether anyone was injured.
In short
- Three hikers were rescued from a steep Sierra Buttes ridge.
- A satellite SOS triggered the search and rescue response.
- A helicopter hoist was needed because of the hazardous terrain.
Explained simply
The Sierra Buttes are a group of rugged peaks in Northern California, rising above the North Yuba River canyon. Their steep slopes and high elevation can make travel difficult, especially near the summits.
In remote areas, hikers may use satellite devices to contact rescuers where mobile phone service is unavailable. A helicopter hoist allows a rescue worker to reach people and lift them aboard when the terrain is too steep or rough for the aircraft to land nearby.
Local rescue teams and deputies may work together to reach people in danger and bring them to a safer place. Such operations can depend on weather, visibility and access to a suitable landing area.