[Breaking] 3 climbers fall on Hood; rescue effort underway

The Oregonian ^ | February 18, 2007

[jazusamo]

Rescuers have begun climbing Mount Hood in an effort to find and help three climbers who slipped over a ledge near Illumination Saddle shortly before noon today.

It's unknown how far down the mountain the climbers fell or how badly they are injured, said Jim Strovink, a spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

Complicating the search: Snow and wind have created near-whiteout conditions.

The climbers, whose identities were not immediately available, were in a party of eight people, Strovink said. Emergency dispatchers received a cell phone call for help from someone in the party, which is thought to be at an elevation of about 8,300 feet.

The caller said the group lost sight of the three climbers who fell. They are not in communication with one another.

Each of the fallen climbers is equipped with a Mountain Locator Unit, which could help rescuers find them if the climbers are conscious and turn the units on.

Rescuers from American Medical Response and Portland Mountain Rescue began hiking up the slopes of the mountain about 1 p.m.

[paulat]

Thanks, sweetie!

[California74]

I like dogs better than most people, too... lol.

Well it is being said that the dog may have saved their lives. Woo Hoo!!

Dog Helps Save Stranded Mount Hood Climbers

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,252852,00.html

I don't know how much I am allowed to cut and paste, so... I'll just give you the link.

[CDHart]

Thanks so much for the info. My daughter and her husband have a black Lab - wonderful dog and very protective. She's our "granddog!"

Carolyn