Authorities in California utilized a helicopter to save a man who had been stranded for two days behind a waterfall after the powerful water displaced him from his climbing ropes, according to law enforcement.
Ryan Wardwell, age 46, from Long Beach, California, intended to rappel down the waterfalls called the Seven Teacups on Sunday, located in a secluded area approximately two hours south of Sequoia National Park, as reported by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.
When Wardwell failed to return to his vehicle that night, a search began which involved the usage of infrared technology and aircraft to locate him. Due to the difficult terrain and the lateness of the hour, officials had to postpone the search until the following day, authorities mentioned.
On early Tuesday morning, a dive and rescue team managed to spot Wardwell using a drone; he was found alive and responsive behind a large waterfall, police authorities stated.
He came off his rappelling lines when “the extreme hydraulics of the river” trapped him behind the cascade, police said.
Messages seeking comment were left Friday with Wardwell and the sheriff’s office.
The California Highway Patrol conducted an aerial rescue, lifting Wardwell to safety via helicopter. He received treatment for minor injuries and dehydration and was reunited with his family.
A video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the helicopter — its rotors causing the river’s spray to rise — lowering a rescuer on a line down to Wardwell’s location, and subsequently lifting them both back to safety.
The Seven Teacups is a popular outdoor recreational area, made up by the cascades of the Dry Meadow Creek forming distinctive pools along their route to the North Fork of the Kern River.
Guide sites warn people about the difficulty of the terrain and say not to try it without proper gear and extensive experience.
