UPDATE, Feb. 26, 6:50 A.M.: The King County Sheriff's Office reports the two stranded snowmobilers and rescuers have arrived safely at the rescue camp near Greenwater.
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UPDATE, Tuesday Feb. 26, 6:20 a.m.: Two snowmobilers stranded in the Blowout Mountain area near Greenwater were safe and heading back down the mountain with rescuers early Tuesday morning, said Deputy William C. Akers of the King County Sheriff’s Office. A rescue crew in a snow machine reached the pair late Monday night and by 5:45 a.m. Tuesday the group was about two hours away from the rescue camp near Greenwater. “I believe they are in snow-cats, they’re warm and doing well,” said Akers. When they reach the rescue camp they will be evaluated by emergency medical technicians, he said, and taken to an area hospital if necessary. The names of the individuals and their hometowns are not yet known.
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Update: 11:40 p.m.
As of 11:30 PM, Search crews have reached the two stranded individuals. There does not appear to be any injuries. Crews are planning on getting the two warmed up and off of the mountain tonight.
- Information from King County Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Akers
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Updated: 10:40 p.m.
GREENWATER - The King County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue teams tonight are continuing their efforts to reach two snowmobilers stranded between Blowout Mountain and Twin Camps Sunday, according to a department press release.
As of about 10:15 p.m., one crew was about one mile from their location, said King County spokesperson Charlie Akers. Another crew had to turn around due to the conditions and the fact that one or more of the volunteers took a tumble after the ground gave way as they were walking along a ridge. There are no reported injuries amongst the volunteers. They are going to attempt a different route.
The incident started Sunday when the 44-year-old man and a female companion went out for a snowmobile trip. On their way back to their truck, weather conditions became so bad that they decided to shelter in place. They stayed the night on the mountain in a snow cave they built.
This morning the man was able to walk out far enough to find a cell signal and he contacted his daughter who then contacted the King County Sheriff’s Office at 9:50 a.m. The man was able to provide his GPS coordinates.
The weather is extremely poor making it difficult to move. Approximately 40 volunteers are in the field working their way in on foot, snowmobiles and snow cats.
Akers reported at about 10:30 p.m. the woman is apparently showing signs of hypothermia setting in and the crews are doing the best they can to get to her.
Editor's Note: Information from the King County Sheriff's Office.
