United States · US National Park Service report 2024-01-16
The helicopter could not land
On Mauna Loa, calling for help did not mean an immediate rescue.
Two hikers called 911 on 14 January 2024 after exhausting food and water in freezing, windy conditions. A ranger and pilot located them around 11,000 feet and delivered provisions and a satellite communicator, but the wind prevented a safe evacuation. After sunset, the hikers reported losing the trail. Rescuers returned the following morning and extracted them individually, uninjured. The park said summit permits had been cancelled because of severe weather, and all four members of the party received permit citations.
Outcome: The two stranded hikers were extracted uninjured the next morning.
Lesson: Check closures and permits before departure. Rescue aircraft cannot always reach you immediately.
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Retold in our own words from the official release. People are not named. A past report, not a current warning or a judgement on the country.