Watch: Hiker clings to rock face during daring rescue in California
Screengrab from video
A hiker clung onto a gravel rock face in California as rescuers flew down in a helicopter to save him, shows a video.
Others present in the recreation area spotted the hiker and heard him shouting for help in the Alexander Battery area in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said on Instagram.
It was quite dark on the cliffside when rescuers arrived and spotted him using the helicopter’s thermal imaging camera, an official said.
The video shows the view from the thermal imaging camera and then switches to the rescuer’s point of view. The helicopter shines a spotlight near the hiker clinging to the cliff. The hiker was about 50 to 60 feet below the trail — hanging on for life, the video shows.
The helicopter landed nearby, and a tactical flight officer lowered down to the hiker to help him get into a rescue device, officials said.
“Don’t let go!” the rescuer says repeatedly to the hiker as he lands near him on the cliff. The rescuer carefully guides the hiker’s hands through a sling, one at a time.
“I got you, brother,” the rescuer says as the helicopter lifts them off the cliff and flies them on a long line up to the top, where a rescue team is waiting. Several people commented about how intense the rescue was, with some mentioning they even held their breath.
“That was terrifying. I barely breathed until I heard the three words, ‘I’ve got you,’” said one Instagram user.
(With inputs from agencies)