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+--- Thread: Mauna Loa hikers resued in horrible conditions (/showthread.php?tid=23247)
Mauna Loa hikers resued in horrible conditions - TomK - 01-18-2024
Given all the weather warnings we've had recently, what possed these people to attempt the hike up Mauna Loa, through a closed area into conditions that threaten your life?
"HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - The two hikers ran out of food and water in severe winter weather that had closed the mountain above 10,000 feet."
"A search-and-rescue ranger from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and a helicopter pilot deployed and quickly located the uninjured couple around 11,000 feet on the remote slopes of Mauna Loa. The pilot landed and the ranger checked on the hikers. He gave them food, water and a satellite communication device, along with instructions to return to the nearest shelter and continue to hike out on their own. Their elevation and dangerous gusting winds made it too risky to transport the pair by air.
Shortly after sunset on Sunday, the hikers texted the park ranger that they had lost the trail near 10,300 feet in the foul weather. The pilot, unable to operate safely in darkness and hazardous conditions, flew the ranger up again Monday morning. The couple was safely extracted one at a time.
“The search-and-rescue mission could have been prevented if the hikers had followed explicit directions to check in and pick up their permit from the park’s backcountry office,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger Jack Corrao. “The park closed the summit of Mauna Loa and canceled all high-elevation backcountry permits on January 9 due to severe winter weather, and we immediately posted a closure alert on our website and social media outlets. Their actions put themselves, the pilot and our ranger at great and unnecessary risk.”
The couple were with two other hikers from Oʻahu but the pairs separated on the arduous hike to the closed summit area. The other couple hiked out on their own without incident. All four hikers were cited for engaging in activities without a permit."
https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2024/01/16/mauna-loa-hikers-rescued-from-harsh-conditions-in-closed-area/
PS. A website called "Snow Brains" also picked up the story. I can't think of a more appropriate name.
https://snowbrains.com/2-hikers-rescued-after-getting-caught-in-winter-storm-on-13678-mauna-loa-in-hawaii/