Flagstaff, AZ – Two hikers who were on a photography expedition in the White Pocket area on the Paria Plateau were rescued by crew members aboard an Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter late Sunday night May 17, 2009.
On Sunday May 17, 2009 at about 1:30 p.m. Emergency Communications Specialists of the Northern Arizona Regional 911 Reception Center received a call form members of a group of people who were camping in the White Pocket area located South West of Page Arizona.
According to the reporting party a fifty-three year old male and a fifty-three year old female both from Grand Junction Colorado left the larger group to hike and take photographs. The two had not returned to camp for twenty-four hours after their departure and that prompted the call to the Sheriff’s Office.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to the area to conduct the initial search and members of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit were notified and in route to the area.
Members of a private outdoor outfitters business spotted a signal fire and reported that sighting to the authorities. At the request of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter was sent to the general area where the signal fire was observed. Helicopter crew members spotted the two lost hikers from the air and were able to land in close proximity to them. Do the rough terrain the victims were not accessible by conventional vehicles and were flown to safety by the helicopter.
People who hike often and go out of cell phone range, need to invest in some type of tracking device. There are a few out there but I prefer the McMurdo Fastfind. It’s just for emergencies but I guess it would be worth it if you were seriously lost. I got mine from http://bluewatersecurityprofessionals.com. Can’t remember the cost.
You can leave the tracking device at home but bring your best judgement and /always/ leave a plan with someone else. It seems like it worked for these hikers. It sounds like after failing to return from their hike their party became concerned and knew exactly where to send the rescue crews looking. Tracking devices are great, but I think too often they lead people to take risks they otherwise would not. Just because you have a tracking device does not make you any safer. You should be prepared to attempt self-rescue or you should not be there.. In other words bring your “common sense”!