Helmet-cam footage of the dramatic rescue of 17 youngsters after 30 hours trapped in a tiny “slot canyon” in the United States has been released.
The legendary canyons in Utah, some of which are smaller than 30 centimeters wide, attract climbers, extreme canyoneers, and geologists from all over the world.
Seventeen youngsters and two adults from a church youth group were exploring Sandthrax Canyon when they were stranded.
After the alarm was raised, helicopter rescue workers from the Utah Department of Public Safety and “rope rescue personnel” were dispatched to the top of the canyon’s narrow mouth.
The rock formations are so isolated that no one knew the group was trapped until one of the organizers who had been waiting outside realized something was amiss.
They were then required to drive for more than an hour to obtain a cell phone signal.
The company was obliged to wait until dawn because it was then nighttime and there is very little light within the slots during daylight.
At sunrise, using professional helicopter winch operators, they were able to lift the entire group, who were fatigued and dehydrated but otherwise unharmed.
The operation lasted longer than five hours and required 19 lifts and refueling.
Summertime temperatures in the canyonlands of Utah routinely exceed 30°C (86°F).
‘Hot, hot, hot
Sheriff Danny Perkins of Garfield County, Colorado, told that the helicopter team that rescued the group is one of the most highly trained in the United States.
Pulling these children out of the hole was akin to threading a needle; here is how they were rescued.
He stated that he believed the gang had entered the incorrect canyon.
“Professionals were rescued from Sandthrax Canyon.” I believe they believed they comprehended the canyon, but they had no concept of what they were getting themselves into.
We could not even connect with the rescue helicopter crew due to the lack of cell phone and radio coverage.
He stated that several of the children were dehydrated since they had limited access to water.
He continued, “There was insufficient space for them to lie down; they had to take turns because the area was only around 1.5 m by 0.9 m.”
It was incredibly hot, and they were exhausted.
The footage captured by the helmet camera of Tactical Flight Officer Napierski shows members of the group waiting to be hoisted out.
A spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Public Safety warned travelers to stay away from unmarked, unguided canyons.
Please be prepared, informed, and safe on your journey.
