Climber falls into Mount St. Helens crater, rescue effort under way in Wash.
By APMonday, February 15, 2010
Climber falls in Mount St. Helens crater in Wash.
MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. — A climber has fallen into the crater at Mount St. Helens and a rescue effort is under way.
Skamania County sheriff’s officials say a 911 cell phone call was received early Monday afternoon.
Undersheriff Dave Cox says a helicopter that does contract work for the U.S. Geological Survey spotted the climber on a steep slope near the bottom of the crater but was unable to pick him up because of high winds and whiteout conditions.
Cox says a Coast Guard rescue helicopter has been called, but it’s uncertain if the climber can be rescued before dark. A ground rescue team is being organized.
The sheriff’s office says the climber’s condition is unknown but he’s blowing a rescue whistle.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. (AP) — A climber has fallen into the crater at Mount St. Helens and a rescue is under way.
Skamania County sheriff’s officials say the incident occurred early Monday afternoon.
Undersheriff Dave Cox says a helicopter that does contract work for the U.S. Geological Survey spotted the climber on a steep slope near the bottom of the crater but was unable to pick him up because of high winds and whiteout conditions.
Cox says a Coast Guard rescue helicopter has been called, but it’s uncertain if the climber can be rescued before dark. A ground rescue team is being organized.
The sheriff’s office says the climber’s condition is unknown but he’s blowing a rescue whistle.
