Posted on 12/19/2006 10:51:40 AM PST by randita
Photos taken by Kelly James raise concerns over ability to survive
Story Published: Dec 19, 2006 at 10:22 AM PST Story Updated: Dec 19, 2006 at 10:30 AM PST
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER Associated Press Writer
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) - Photos found with deceased climber Kelly James have raised worries about how long his two colleagues can survive on the brutal summit of Mount Hood, an official said on Tuesday.
"We've got some pictures. Kelly James had taken some pictures of his climb," said Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler.
"So we know pretty much what they had with them," he said. After examining the photos, Wampler said, "looking what they had with them, I'm pretty concerned about how long somebody can last out there."
Wampler also said that rescue teams had scaled back the ground search and are asking themselves whether they are "spinning their wheels" by continuing the search for Brian Hall and Jerry "Nikko" Cooke, the two missing climbers.
The sheriff continued to express hope they might be found in a snow cave, and the searchers were using two fixed-wing aircraft to keep watch on parts of the mountain that are too dangerous for other climbers.
The surveillance would allow the "opportunity for Brian and Nikko to stick their heads up out of their hole and rescue themselves. We want to be there to see that, if that happens," Wampler said.
Rescue teams have been narrowing the search for Hall and Cooke to a small rugged section of ridge and glacier on the dangerous north side of Oregon's highest peak, but search directors say it has had up to 10 feet of snow since the three men were reported missing.
The body of James, 48, of Dallas, Texas, was removed by helicopter Monday from the 11,239-foot summit after rescue workers winched it from a snow cave about 300 feet down the steep north side.
Wampler said James had a dislocated shoulder. He said the other climbers must have left their injured companion in the cave to find help, but had to dig a second shallower cave of their own on a steep slope as the weather worsened.
Bad weather is forecast for Wednesday, and Wampler said the chances for survival are less if the two were without shelter.
"The ground search has been greatly scaled back," said Deputy Pete Hughes of the Hood River County sheriff's office. "It comes down to a lack of resources."
Most of the searchers have been volunteers, and Hughes said it was unknown how many would be available Tuesday.
A Blackhawk helicopter was to be on standby in Salem, where it is based, said Capt. Mike Braibish of the Oregon National Guard. Eventually, he said, finding the two climbers will be a matter of putting "boots on ground."
"There still has to be a glimmer of hope somewhere inside of us," he said.
Wampler said he is increasingly leaning toward the likelihood of a climbing accident. The place below the second cave is called "the gullies," with a 60-degree slope and a treacherous 2,500-foot drop-off. About 13 climbers have died in the area in the past 40 years, Wampler said.
James made a cell phone call from the cave on Dec. 10, telling his family the party was in trouble and the others had gone for help.
Find this article at: http://www.katu.com/news/4956501.html
Weren't these guys supposed to be "experienced" climbers?
I fear that the families will receive no good news regarding their loved ones. My God touch upon them and help then through this ordeal.
Sorry to be so blunt, but you mess with the bull, don't be surprised if you get the horn.
Momma nature will kill you just for being stupid.
not experienced enough obviously....
I'm pinging you to this thread because we had a discussion on another thread as to how well equipped the climbers were.
"There still has to be a glimmer of hope somewhere inside of us," he said."
This is the thinking that makes many rescuers put themselves in jeopardy for what may be a slim or nonexistent chance of a spectacular rescue. On a properly run incident such as this, cooler heads will continue to weigh the benefit vs. the risk of a dangerous search, and each passing day diminishes the potential benefit. There's no point in getting people killed on a body recovery mission.
"There's no point in getting people killed on a body recovery mission."
Excellent point. I wish those in charge would consider it carefully.
Exactly!
I was told by a survival expert that "... you can never take too much." My mountain climbing instructor always kept warning me "...loose the excess weight or you will never make it."
It seems to me that survival and mountain climbing are at odds with each other.
Prays for the climbers and their families.
"Hey, let's go hike off into a blizzard"
"Sounds like fun"
If they had cel phones to call their family, why didn't they call just 911 when they realized they were in trouble. Most cel phones now send out a GPS signal (software switchable)that pinpoints their locations. Surely their cel phones had that capability.
My understanding is that you can't hear anything going on outside when you're in a snow cave. But you would think that at some point, particularly after the weather cleared, they would pop their heads out and try to give some indication of where they are, as they did with the Y-shaped rigging pointing to the other snow cave. Even just something etched in the snow. Sadly, I have the feeling they have long since perished and are buried underneath the snow in a deep crevice.
Behold this shining example of modern "journalism". This "article" perfectly illustrates the laziness and general stupidity of "journalists" today.
First of all, 90% of this article is a regurgitation of what has already been published previously. Second, how about some elaboration on the above quote? What do they think the climbers were wearing and carrying, based on the photos? What do they think was missing from their gear that would make a difference?
Journalism is really the occupation for imbeciles, right behind acting and heavy metal guitar playing.
It also occurs to me that if he had a cell phone turned on that the cell company could triangulate on the signal.
Yike.
As long as the battery held out, which probably wouldn't be for very long, given the cold and the phone probably constantly searching for a network.
I feel just terrible for these families.
I have to wonder, though, about individuals who have spouses and children and responsibilities to someone other than themselves. Shouldn't there come a point in one's life where deliberately tempting fate and risking one's life for a pass time should be set aside until children are raised?
Sadly, I have the feeling they have long since perished and are buried underneath the snow in a deep crevice.
I agree with you King, it's very sad.
Queen of Alabama ;-)
The heaviest item in you pack is always the thing that you took but didn't need, and the lightest item is always the think that you hoped you wouldn't need, but did.
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