Ill-prepared Hikers Kick Off Triple Rescue

Summer season off to a busy start for LBSAR

Photo courtesy LBSAR.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) faced a triple rescue earlier this week that began on July 5 when a married couple attempted to complete the Howe Sound Crest Trail in a single day.

According to LBSAR member Maria Masiar, the couple had parked their vehicle at Porteau Cove, arranged a shuttle to Cypress Mountain, and began their hike at approximately 9:00 a.m. However, by the time they reached James Peak, they were exhausted and unable to continue.

"The Howe Sound Crest Trail should not be underestimated," said Masiar. "It is roughly 30 kilometres long, with more than 2,200 metres of cumulative elevation gain, and it is a serious full-day objective even for strong, well-prepared hikers."

Masiar noted that the couple was not adequately equipped for the demands of the route or the possibility of being out overnight.

The LBSAR team made the decision that a night hover rescue was called for. The rescue marked an important milestone for the team as the first such operational night hover rescue with subjects.

Permission to undertake night hover capability was only granted to BC SAR teams in February of this year, and Lions Bay SAR immediately took steps to certify their membership. All members were duly certified with Talon Helicopters in April, and put their new skills to good use this week.

Three LBSAR members were lowered to the ground near the hikers, and both subjects and the rescue team were subsequently lifted out of the scene by hover.

"Before this capability was expanded, most nighttime helicopter rescues in our area required mutual aid from North Shore Rescue, as they were the only team participating in the pilot program. Having this capability locally is a significant benefit for our team and helps take pressure off North Shore," said Masiar.

While the James Peak rescue was still underway, LBSAR received a second call for a hiker on the Harvey Trail who had become disoriented and gone off route.

With the initial rescue in progress, a second LBSAR team took the team truck up the access road to locate and retrieve the hiker. Masiar noted that when response is required for simultaneous calls, the team needs to split their personnel and resources, and events that evening were further complicated by a complete highway shutdown.

The following evening, LBSAR were summoned back to the Harvey Trail for a third rescue. In this case, a hiker had suffered a painful patella dislocation while descending the trail.

"Our rope rescue team responded up the trail and set up a technical rope system, using a guideline to safely lower her in a stretcher," said Masiar.

Once the team reached the logging road, the hiker was driven back down to Lions Bay and left in the care of her companions.

Masiar said that the injured hiker and her companions were "exceptionally positive, patient, and delightful throughout the entire response, which always makes a difficult situation easier for everyone involved.

Masiar also offered a word of thanks to Lions Bay residents for their patience and support of the team during the busy summer season. "Our trucks, helicopters, and responders will be visible—and sometimes noisy—at unusual hours, and we know our operations can have an impact on the community."

Working with BC Parks, Lions Bay SAR has endeavoured to improve safety, signage, and route markings along the Howe Sound Crest Trail. However, Masiar notes that hikers still need to do their research, understand the terrain, check conditions, and be prepared with the right equipment, food, water, lighting, navigation, and realistic timing.

"Summer is here, and the mountains are busy," said Masiar. "We hope everyone gets outside and enjoys them—just do your research, come prepared, and know what you’re getting into."

The LBSAR team relies on specialized technical equipment that needs to be replaced as it wears out. The team welcomes donations, which can be made HERE. 

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