Winds cause rescuers to suspend effort to save climber who fell into Mount St. Helens crater
By APTuesday, February 16, 2010
Rescuers suspend search effort on Mount St. Helens
MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. — Authorities say high winds have forced them to suspend the rescue effort for a climber who fell into the crater at Mount St. Helens when a cornice of snow collapsed.
Skamania County undersheriff David Cox said Monday evening that dangerous downdrafts were dislodging rocks, making footing unstable for search personnel. He says efforts will pick up again Tuesday morning.
Earlier Monday, Cox said 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.
Sheriff’s officials say the rescue effort began when a 911 cell phone call was received early Monday afternoon.
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 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.
