— from Marla Johns for Orcas Fire and Rescue —
Crews from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue units have been on scene since approximately 10 a.m. for a stranded hiker in the Northwest corner of Mountain Lake.
A person hiking the area of Summit Trail in search of a lost dog went off trail and found themselves stranded on a steep cliff area they were unable to either ascend or descend safely out of. The hiker was able to get cell phone service and contacted dispatch for assistance.
Rescue units on scene were able to have the cell phone tracked to a general location and ultimately made voice contact with the hiker at approximately 11:40 a.m. In spite of having cell phone tracking and voice contact, the terrain made for exact location unable to be made until approximately 1 p.m. Once visual contact was made, it was determined the hiker was uninjured but was, indeed, stranded.
Rescue units were positioned both above and below the hiker and a rappel team descended to the hikers location, making physical contact at approximately 2 p.m. The hiker and the rescue units were able to be lowered to safety and are currently hiking out of the area.
Twelve OIFR members, three Parks Department Crew, and one Sheriff’s Deputy assisted in this lengthy rescue. Island Air offered support from the air if necessary. The coordinated response resulted in both a successful rescue as well as no injuries to either the hiker or any responder. All crew members as well as the hiker are expected to be cleared from the scene within the hour.
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to remain on marked trails at all times and to keep dogs secured on a leash when taking them along. OIFR thanks the volunteers, staff and other agencies who assisted in this rescue.
Late Update:
While rescuing the hiker who was trapped on a cliff in Moran State Park, the Technical Rescue Team from Orcas Island Fire Rescue also found her dog.
Bowzer was severely injured having fallen down a cliff and unable to move,
The team built a liter from branches and carried him 1.5 miles to the trailhead at Mountain Lake.
Bowser received IV fluids on the trailhead and en route to Orcas Vetranary.
He was further stabilized by Dr. Dhaliwal at her office.
His human owner, the subject of today’s high angle rescue, was reunited with her mother and husband.
They are taking their beloved pet back to a Veterinary specialist in Seattle.
Amazing Kudos to this team, the Sheriffs and Park Rangers, Dr. D and Island Air for offering to help in the initial search.
What am amazing group of people that serve others on this wonderful island. Thank you to everyone involved.
I am the Mom of the hiker that went off trail whilst trying to find her dog Bowser yesterday. When I recieved a call from my daughter, Keda, saying she was waiting for the Park rangers to come and assist her as she was ‘lost’. As a directionally challenged parent, I completely understood this and headed to Mtn. Lake to pick her up. It wasn’t until I entered the parking lot and saw 2 fire truck, 1 ambulance, a sheriff’s car and 2 Park vehicles that I realized the seriousness of the situation. I want to thank all the people who came to Keda, and ultimately Bowser’s, rescue. I was overwhelmed with the caring and comforting nature of every single person I came in contact with. Orcas Island is an example of what America is truly about. Without the heroic efforts yesterday, I would be crying tears of sadness instead of tears of joy. Not once during the 9 hours it took to get them off the mountain did I feel anything but confidence in the teams surrounding them and us. A special thank you to Cindy from Friends of Orcas Pet Search and Rescue and Ranger Jeff for talking this Mom off the proverbial ledge. You all are so blessed to live on such a beautiful island surrounded by friends and neighbours who truly care.