The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a man from backcountry near Haines on Saturday after being mauled by a bear.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the man who suffered multiple injuries to his head and hands after being attacked on a mountain while backcountry skiing. He was flown to Juneau and placed in care of EMS personnel.
The helicopter crew found the injured man and two other skiers in his party about 10 miles northwest of Haines at an elevation of 1,600 feet, just above Chilkoot Lake. The Coast Guard was notified of an agency assist request on Saturday afternoon around 3:20 p.m.
A rescue swimmer was lowered to evaluate the victim’s condition and a litter was used to hoist him. Medical care was provided during the flight to Juneau for the necessary medical care. The other two skiers did not need assistance and continued down the mountain on their own.
Lieutenant Commander Will Sirokman, co-pilot for the case said, “The other two members in the patient’s skiing party had the proper equipment and knowledge to assist with his injuries and communicate for help in 15 degree temperatures with sunset approaching. Their satellite communication device provided the precise GPS coordinates and elevation of their location. Equally important, they had brightly colored fabric to signal the helicopter as we approached. This was absolutely crucial to us finding them in a timely manner.”
His condition is not known at this time, but was responsive and talking at the time of the rescue.
