ST. GEORGE — Search and rescue crews spent the night on the edge of a cliff in San Juan County over the weekend in order to rescue four hikers Sunday morning who had become stuck in a maze of sculpted sandstone narrows. Officials continue to remind hikers to use caution when entering slot canyons during the rainy season.
After more than 20 hours, San Juan County Search and Rescue successfully rescued four people who were reportedly stuck in the Black Hole in the remote White Canyon, San Juan County Sheriff’s officials said in a statement Sunday night.
Once a hiker navigates a few drop offs in the Black Hole, officials said, it’s nearly impossible to turn back unless the hiker is a technical expert equipped with ropes and climbing gear
Rescue crews spent Saturday night on a ledge before rapelling down to the victims Sunday morning.
Rescuers hoisted two injured victims up a 600-yard canyon, according to the Sheriff’s Office, while additional rescue crews walked two other hikers out the bottom of the canyon.
While crews were reportedly exhausted by the end of the day, officials said it was another successful mission and thanked those involved for their hard work and dedication.
The Sheriff’s Office also reminds visitors to the area to use extra caution as flooding through the canyons is oftentimes unpredictable.
“Please use caution when entering slot canyons during the raining season,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Look at weather reports, conditions and warnings. They can be very unpredictable and dangerous.”
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Search and Rescue crews rescued four people who were reportedly stuck in the Black Hole in the remote White Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, July 3, 2016 | Photo courtesy of San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Search and Rescue crews rescued four people who were reportedly stuck in the Black Hole in the remote White Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, July 3, 2016 | Photo courtesy of San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Search and Rescue crews rescued four people who were reportedly stuck in the Black Hole in the remote White Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, July 3, 2016 | Photo courtesy of San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Search and Rescue crews rescued four people who were reportedly stuck in the Black Hole in the remote White Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, July 3, 2016 | Photo courtesy of San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
Search and rescue get my respect.