Climbers rescued after night trapped on mountain face near Hope

North Shore Rescue (NSR) says its volunteers were part of a dramatic overnight operation on a steep rock face north of Hope.

Two climbers attempting to summit Yak Peak, off the Coquihalla Highway, became stuck when bad weather struck, and one of them fell and sustained a head injury.

NSR says it was called to help shortly before midnight. The crew of a Talon Helicopter, using night vision goggles, flew to the area, but the flight was complicated by clouds and wildfire smoke.

“Multiple attempts were made to get overtop of the climbers but unfortunately conditions were too dangerous and the helicopter was forced to land at Hope Airport. After waiting until weather improved the flight crew flew up into the area but were again turned around by clouds and rain,” said NSR, adding that its crews flew back to Vancouver around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Hope Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers began to mobilize a ground response, NSR says.

“Chilliwack SAR sent members up Yak and a NSR rope rescue team leader and mountain rescue member drove up from North Vancouver.”

When the weather improved around 5:30 a.m., a fresh NSR flight crew returned to the area. The rescuers were able to descend over the climbers.

“First the injured climber was hoisted out, then his partner, and were then transferred to EHS at the Zopkios Parking area.”

NSR thanked Hope SAR for coordinating and wished the climbers a speedy recovery.

“This was a complex task involving night flying, technical pick offs, mountain rescue, and complex hoists. To execute this sort of task safely, requires decades of experience and training from every member of the crew.”