On August 17th, 2019 three males attempted to climb a very steep scree (loose rock) slope near Mt. Schoen in the Woss area.
The three males discovered the terrain was very difficult to travel on, due to the nature of it dislodging and sliding easily.
At an elevation of around 1400 metres, the group decided they couldn’t continue up or down and were able to use their cell phone to text a family member to request a rescue.
On August 18th, Campbell River Search and Rescue was activated and after a reconnaissance flight by Air 8, the RCMP helicopter, it was determined that the slope was too steep and unsafe for rescuers to attempt a traditional alpine rescue with ropes.
Campbell River’s hoist rescue team boarded a helicopter with a specialized hoist set up, from Ascent helicopters out of Parksville.
Once on the scene, two rescue techs were lowered to the subjects and determined there were no injuries.
All three subjects were hoisted into the aircraft and then flown to a roadway nearby where they were released to the RCMP.
Campbell River Search and Rescue Manager Grant Cromer says it’s an excellent reminder to file a trip plan, and have an effective communication device to call for help if needed.
“Somehow these subjects managed to make a phone call from their location but we then lost contact with them. Cell phones are becoming increasingly popular in the backcountry as a primary communication device, but one should always check to see that adequate cell coverage is available and shouldn’t rely on them as a primary source. We recommend people who enter the backcountry to
carry a satellite communication device, as this will provide better and more consistent coverage in times of distress,” said Cromer.
For more information on trip planning essentials, click here.
