Re: Overnight Search Ends When Hiker Walks Out To Trailhead

Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
Overnight Search Ends When Hiker Walks Out To Trailhead

A party of three day hikers left Pinnacle Peak Trailhead at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 31st. Two hours into the hike, they split up on their way to the west ridgeline of Castle Peak, with two of the hikers turning back to the trailhead and one deciding to continue on. The two returning hikers waited at the parking lot for two hours. When their companion did not show up, they went to get help. They notified a maintenance worker in Paradise, who in turn informed rangers. Two rangers were sent as a hasty team to search the point last seen and surrounding area. The overdue hiker was inexperienced and was not prepared for an overnight stay in the park's backcountry. After searching most of the night, the hasty team returned from the field without success. As a morning briefing for the search incident was underway and additional search teams were being deployed, the missing hiker walked out to the trailhead. He reported that clouds came in during the evening, obscuring his view, and he lost his way during his descent and strayed off the trail. He said that he found shelter by some large rocks and slept until the morning. At first light the sky had cleared and he reoriented himself and hiked out. He was uninjured. Thomas Payne served as incident commander for this operation.

Can anyone define "hasty team?" Does it mean what it sounds like? In a hurry? Without plans?

Quote
hotrod4x5
Can anyone define "hasty team?" Does it mean what it sounds like? In a hurry? Without plans?

See this article for SAR search techniques:
http://www.alpharubicon.com/rsar/sartechcent.htm

First team sent out, usually up the trail the lost people most likely took, supposed to bust out the miles while watching for clues and interviewing people they see. It's grueling work - better have a light overnight pack for it!