A complex high-altitude rescue operation, which included several agencies and five helicopters, took place over two days on the second-highest peak of both the Sierra Nevada range and California.
On the afternoon of July 2, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement that they had received an emergency SOS alert via a Garmin InReach device used by a solo female climber. She had reported falling while going off-course near the West Chute of Mt. Williamson.
In her satellite message, she communicated a dire situation, stating she had suffered a significant lower leg injury, with a bone visibly jutting through the skin and had lost her backpack that contained crucial supplies.
Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.
By sunrise on July 3, SAR members had reached the base of Mt. Williamson’s west face and established verbal contact with the injured climber.
With weather conditions improving, CHP H-40 returned, but the climber was in a narrow chute and the helicopter could not safely rescue her.
Two additional SAR members were inserted 300 feet above her and descended to her location approximately 23 hours after her initial fall, the department said.
The department said that personnel realized that a safe extraction would require even more advanced air capabilities, and they coordinated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which deployed its Air 5 helicopter equipped with a longer hoist.
Despite the advanced equipment, Air 5 was unable to complete the mission due to the extreme altitude.
Ultimately, it was the California National Guard that made the final extraction possible. A Blackhawk helicopter, Spartan 164, was staged at Bishop Airport and launched into action, the department said.
A Blackhawk helicopter was used to help rescue a climber in California. (Getty Images)
After SAR members moved the climber to more open terrain, Spartan 164 successfully hoisted her to safety at approximately 7:15 p.m. on July 3, more than 28 hours after her distress call was first received.
The helicopter later returned to retrieve the SAR volunteers. In total, six SAR members operated in the field during the rescue, while another seven coordinated from base and remained ready for further deployment.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office praised the seamless interagency coordination and the exceptional courage of all involved.
“This mission is a powerful reminder of the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering and the extraordinary efforts behind each rescue,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The climber’s bravery and composure in extreme conditions were remarkable. All involved were impressed by her ability to remain calm, collected, and alive.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the California National Guard, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and Garmin for comment.
