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2 climbers plucked from B.C. mountain face after complex overnight rescue mission

Members of three search and rescue groups combined efforts to save two climbers stranded on a sheer rock face of Yak Peak near Hope, B.C., early Wednesday after one of the climbers fell and injured their head. 

The pair had been stranded on a sheer rock face overnight as weather hampered repeated rescue attempts

The Canadian Press ·
Two climbers and rescue technicians seen clinging to a narrow ledge on the sheer face of Yak Peak near Hope, B.C. on Wednesday.
Two climbers and rescue technicians cling to a narrow ledge on the sheer rock face of Yak Peak near Hope, B.C., on Wednesday. (North Shore Rescue)

Members of three search and rescue groups combined efforts to save two climbers off the sheer rock face of Yak Peak near Hope, B.C., early Wednesday after one of the climbers fell and injured their head. 

North Shore Search and Rescue said in a Facebook post that they went in late Tuesday, but the weather was rapidly deteriorating, and the climbers were hanging mid-face on the 2,100-metre peak. 

It said a hoist crew in a helicopter tried to get over the climbers, but conditions were too dangerous and they had to give up the attempt. 

WATCH | Climbers airlifted off B.C.'s Yak Peak in dramatic helicopter rescue:

Injured climbers airlifted off B.C.'s Yak Peak in dramatic helicopter rescue

5 hours ago
Duration 1:58
Search and rescue video shows a helicopter hoisting two climbers off a sheer cliff face on Yak Peak near Hope, B.C. North Shore Rescue says the complex rescue operation involved "night flying, technical pick-offs, mountain rescue, and complex hoists."

Another helicopter rescue attempt early Wednesday was also turned back because of clouds and rain, which prompted the start of a rope rescue by mountain teams from Hope and Chilliwack. 

The statement says a helicopter with a fresh crew was finally able to get above the climbers to lower two rescue technicians who brought in fall protection.

The injured climber was hoisted out first and then his partner, in what the statement says was a rescue "involving night flying, technical pick-offs, mountain rescue, and complex hoists."

A rescue helicopter approaches Yak Peak near Hope, B.C., where two climbers were stranded partway up the sheer face.
A rescue helicopter approaches Yak Peak near Hope, B.C., where two climbers were stranded partway up the sheer rock face. (North Shore Rescue)
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