Hiker rescued after 16 hours lost on Mount Washington

ohOn Friday, July 4, agents were sent to search for missing hiker Felipe Castanheira near Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Castanheira, who had been hiking the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail, had become separated from his companion and was reported missing around 7:00 p.m.

The search and rescue mission

Two hours later, the search officially began and the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team began its overnight rescue attempts. Using drones used for aerial surveillance, SAR conducted a trail search before directing its efforts toward off-road areas and streams along the Ammonoosuc Ravine.

While rescuers already had to deal with the difficult terrain of this area, they also «endured some of the hottest conditions likely to be seen on Mount Washington this year,» the New Hampshire Game and Fish Department said in its report. Press release.

At 3:30 pm the next day, Castanheira arrived at the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut tired, hungry, thirsty, but unharmed. After receiving food and water, Castanheira walked the trail with assistance to the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead, arriving at the trailhead at 8:35 p.m.

Castanheira declined a hospital visit and was taken back to his hotel.

Prevent a dangerous situation

Getting separated from a hiking partner, especially in difficult terrain, is a situation that can quickly become dangerous. There are some steps you can take to prevent this situation from occurring. First, walk at the pace of the slowest member, making sure no one is out of sight or earshot. Never depend on just one person to carry the group’s equipment; each hiker must individually pack what they need if they become separated. Because cell service is unreliable in deep mountain ravines, carry a dedicated satellite messenger to maintain an emergency lifeline.

The weather above treeline in the White Mountains can change quickly. Photo of Mount Washington via katie jackson

What to do if you separate

If you become lost or separated, stay in one place, as staying put allows rescuers to quickly locate you within their priority search grids. Call for help by blowing three loud bursts of a safety whistle every few minutes and move toward a clear opening if you hear search drones overhead so they can detect you. Finally, seek shelter early before night falls or exhaustion sets in and use your layers or an emergency blanket to conserve energy until help arrives.

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