Two Hikers Rescued from New Hampshire Mountain
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In a daring rescue operation, two hikers were saved from Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire, facing dangerous conditions on the mountain. Shane Squires, aged 35, and Robert Conlon, aged 41, embarked on a challenging hike along the nine-mile Greenleaf Trail on December 12. As they made their way down the summit, the hikers lost their trail and found themselves in distress.
The hikers reached out for help at 9:45 p.m. local time, alerting the local authorities about their predicament. The rescue team successfully located Squires and Conlon at 2:45 a.m., and by 5:30 a.m., they had reached the trailhead at Mount Lafayette. The New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) shared the news of the successful rescue, highlighting the bravery and determination of the rescue party.
The challenging weather conditions on Mount Lafayette added to the perilous situation faced by the hikers. Battling heavy winds, deep snow reaching waist-high levels, and temperatures dropping to around 10ºF, Squires and Conlon encountered a series of obstacles during their descent from the summit. Despite the adversity, the hikers pressed on until they reached out for help due to an injury one of them sustained to their leg.
NHFG conservation officers sprang into action upon receiving the distress call from the hikers at 9:45 p.m. Conservation officers, along with volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, embarked on a rescue mission by 11:25 p.m. The Army National Guard also joined the rescue efforts, determining that a helicopter rescue was a feasible option to reach the stranded hikers.
Throughout the night, one of the hikers faced a critical situation as he developed “severe” hypothermia, drifting in and out of consciousness. The gravity of the situation escalated, prompting swift action from the rescue team. Despite the challenges posed by heavy cloud cover at higher altitudes, the rescue team persevered and reached the hikers at 3,700 feet, providing them with essential clothing and warmth.
By 5:30 a.m., the rescue party successfully guided the hikers to safety, allowing them to hike out with assistance from the team. Once off the mountain, Squires and Conlon proceeded to the hospital for treatment of frostbite. NHFG underscored the importance of adequate preparation and adherence to safety guidelines when embarking on hikes in the White Mountains, emphasizing the potential risks faced by both hikers and rescue personnel.
The resilient spirit of the rescue team, coupled with the determined efforts of Squires and Conlon, resulted in a successful outcome despite the challenging circumstances. As incidents like these serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures, it highlights the significance of proper preparation and caution when exploring the wilderness.