A group of hikers has been successfully rescued after being stranded for days in the alpine region of Golden Ears, near Maple Ridge.
Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue (RMSAR) reported that the hikers reached the summit of Golden Ears on Saturday, only to be caught off guard by a sudden storm that enveloped them in thick, blinding snow.
After seeking refuge in an emergency shelter located on Panorama Ridge, the hikers managed to send out a distress signal using Apple SOS, prompting a rescue operation by RMSAR.
Despite facing challenges such as poor visibility and avalanche risks, RMSAR President Brent Boulet emphasized the importance of ensuring both the safety of the hikers and the rescue crews during the operation.
Fortunately, the hikers were well-prepared, carrying provisions and sheltering in the emergency facility until Monday night when their food supplies were depleted.
With plans to send in rescuers on foot if necessary, RMSAR ultimately managed to airlift the hikers to safety as the weather conditions improved, ending their ordeal.
The rescue team found the group fatigued and hungry but otherwise unharmed, later transporting them to Pitt Meadows Airport to reunite with their families.
Boulet underscored the significance of checking weather forecasts, understanding terrain risks, and carrying essential supplies when venturing into potentially hazardous environments like avalanche-prone areas.