USCG File Photo
JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, Alaska State Troopers and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad rescued two overdue hikers from Deer Mountain near Ketchikan, Alaska, Friday night.
The hikers were hoisted and transported to awaiting emergency medical personnel in Ketchikan to be treated for possible hypothermia.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Juneau received an agency assist request from Alaska State Troopers and launched the aircrew. The hikers signaled their location to the helicopter, which was near a cliff with tall trees and knee-deep snow.
“We were fortunate that these hikers were able to recognize they were in a survival situation early on,” said Lt. Matt Herring, a Coast Guard Air Station Sitka pilot. “They took the necessary steps to ensure they were rescued.”
Weather on scene was reported as light winds, 45 degrees and overcast.
