Three backcountry skiers found themselves in a precarious situation near Stevens Pass in Washington on January 22. Cut off from cell phone service, they were trapped at the base of steep terrain surrounded by tall trees. In a stroke of ingenuity, the skiers sent an SOS alert using an iPhone, which connected directly to satellites, enabling a successful rescue operation by the King County Sheriff’s Air Support unit. The dramatic rescue was captured on camera, highlighting the critical role technology played in averting a potential tragedy.
The three skiers had ventured deep into the backcountry, where two of them fell approximately 500 feet down a steep slope. One skier suffered a broken leg, while another sustained a twisted knee and a broken wrist. Fortunately, the third skier emerged unscathed.
"They were down at the base of some really steep terrain, near some pretty tall trees," – Tony Mullinax
The skiers' ability to send an SOS alert via their iPhone proved crucial. The King County Sheriff's Office promptly received the signal, setting off a coordinated response by their Air Support unit. The rescue team swiftly located the skiers and managed to airlift them to safety.
"They're all hurting, but they're all going to be just fine," – Deputy Mike McLeod
Once rescued, the skiers were transported to a hospital in Seattle for treatment. Despite their injuries, all three are expected to make a full recovery. Their ordeal underscores the importance of satellite communication technology in providing a lifeline for those stranded in remote areas.
"Without some sort of satellite communication device, this story could have a very different ending, a very tragic ending because of the temperatures that the skiers were skiing in and the distance they were away from any kind of civilization," – Sgt. Jason Stanley
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by backcountry adventurers and the vital role that modern technology can play in ensuring their safety. The skiers' quick thinking and the responsive action of the rescue team prevented what could have been an unfortunate outcome.
