Climbing
On Monday afternoon, search and rescue teams successfully extracted an injured solo climber from the treacherous slopes of East Lion Mountain in British Columbia. The climber, who had fallen a significant distance while descending the summit without a helmet, was found precariously perched on a ledge, saved by a small cluster of shrubs.
North Shore Rescue (NSR) responded to the emergency call with helicopter crews after the climber regained consciousness and dialed 911. The rescue proved extremely challenging due to the mountain’s near-vertical 75-degree rock face.
“The exposure is significant. In other words, if you slip, you’ll likely fall to your death.”
– Martin Caldwell, manager of Lions Bay Search and Rescue
TASKS DEBRIEF
As is often the case, the long weekend was a busy one for North Shore Rescue crews.
On Saturday, about…
Posted by North Shore Rescue on Tuesday 1 October 2024
NSR’s mountain rescue technicians, including an ER physician, were winched down to the stranded climber. They provided immediate medical care and secured the injured man before airlifting him to safety.
Dave Barnett, NSR search manager, expressed amazement at the climber’s survival. “It’s amazing he didn’t fall all the way down to the bottom,” he said.
The rescue operation utilized advanced equipment, including the Petzl Lezard system, marking only its second operational use. After stabilizing and packaging the climber, the rescue team flew him to the Capilano Gate SAR station, where he was transferred to BC Emergency Health Services.
