Search and Rescue Team Operation: Aid to stranded climbers

To:      All Media Partners

From:  Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

Date:   July 22, 2014

RE:      Search and Rescue Team Operation: Aid to stranded climbers

On the early morning of Sunday, July 20, 2014, at approximately midnight, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding two climbers that were stranded on Clyde Minaret.

Two climbers had begun a climb on Saturday, July 19, 2014, on Clyde Minaret, a popular peak located in the Minaret Range approximately 12 miles northwest of Mammoth Lakes. Due to the thunderstorms that occurred during the day, the climbers were unable to complete their climb before darkness fell and became stranded at 12,000 feet elevation. Due to hypothermia and dehydration, the climbers were unable to complete the climb and descent on Sunday morning. The Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR) team was called to aid the two stranded climbers.

The SAR team was able to obtain the assistance of two helicopters, one from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) H40 based out of Fresno, and the other from the California National Guard based in Stockton. The CHP H40 helicopter crew was able to rescue on of the climbers, but due to the arrival of heavy rain and clouds, were unable to rescue to second climber. Two hours later, the rain cleared and the crew of the National Guard helicopter was able to retrieve the second climber. Both climbers were flown to the SAR team base at Minaret Vista just north of Mammoth Mountain. Neither climber required medical treatment after evaluation by the Mono County Paramedics.