Search teams called to rescue injured hiker in Peachland

Several emergency and search and rescue organizations teamed up last night to help a rock climber on Pincushion Mountain near Peachland last night.

The rescue efforts of West Kelowna Fire Rescue, Peachland Fire Department, Central Okanagan Search and Rescues, Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue, and Penticton Search and Rescue were called to action yesterday, April 26.

Two men were hiking a popular trail in Peachland, when they decided to take a short cut down the front face of the mountain.

The men, aged 28 and 29, were making their way down the mountain when one fell several metres, striking his head in the process.

The other man was able to reach the ledge where the fallen man lay, but was unable to move in any direction, calling for help.

Emergency crews arrived and  were able to evacuate the injured man, transferring him to hospital by ambulance. It took another five hours to rescue the second man from the ledge.

The second man was lowered from the ledge around 11 p.m. yesterday evening after being reached by members of the West Kelowna technical rescue team.

“The male was in a position that was not easy to get at and with darkness setting in, it made the job extremely difficult,” Central Okanagan Search and Rescue Manager Duane Tresnich said.

He said a full moon and clear sky helped the rescue operation.

The rescue call involved just under 50 personnel from the various agencies.

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