Video of a Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew conducting cliff-rescue training, March 7, 2018.
MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard rescued a hiker after he became stranded south of Crescent City, Wednesday evening.
The hiker called 911 dispatchers, who contacted Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders at approximately 4:30 p.m., reporting that the hiker was stranded on a cliff near Nickel Creek.
Sector Humboldt Bay launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist the hiker. Once on scene, the helicopter crew lowered the rescue swimmer to the hiker’s location on the cliffs approximately 200 feet above the beach.
The helicopter crew hoisted the swimmer and the hiker from the cliff and transferred the hiker to the beach, where he was met by Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office personnel.
“I felt that our training for these types of conditions kicked in for this rescue, allowing our crew to work incredibly smooth, making this rescue a success,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class John Sandling, the flight mechanic who flew on this case.
“Hiking and rock climbing can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly,” said Lt. Christopher Breuer, the pilot who flew on this case. “Care should be taken especially on the Lost Coast, where remote locations can make rescues difficult.”
“The superb hovering by the pilot and hoisting by the flight mechanic made what could have been a treacherous rescue, into a successful one,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Gardner, the rescue swimmer who flew on this case.
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