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Contact: Patti Wold, PIO, 360-569-6563
A search is underway for a climber missing from a team of three on Liberty Ridge on the north flank of Mount Rainier. He went missing yesterday, June 11th, during their descent from Liberty Cap in high winds and low visibility. Today's initial search will be an air reconnaissance with a US Army Reserve 214th Air Division Chinook out of Joint Base Lewis McChord with park rangers on board. The Chinook will also attempt a summit landing to offload rangers who will attempt to locate the reporting party. Winds at the summit today are predicted to reach 70mph presenting challenges to search operations. The initial missing person report reached the park at 5:10 am this morning. The climber went missing above 14,000' in elevation in the vicinity of Liberty Saddle. A temporary flight restriction is in place. There are 26 park personnel assigned to this incident. A new press release will be issued when additional information becomes available or check the park's incident information line by calling 360-569-2211 then dial 9 then select option 2. -NPS- |
Last updated: June 12, 2015