Person rescued via helicopter in California following two days trapped behind waterfall's cascade
In a daring rescue operation, authorities in California managed to save a man who had been trapped behind a waterfall for two days.
Ryan Wardwell, a 46-year-old climber, was attempting to rappel the Seven Teacups waterfalls when he was pushed off his lines by strong river hydraulics. After he failed to return to his car, search teams were deployed to find him.
The rough terrain and late hour delayed the search until the next morning. Authorities used aircraft equipped with infrared technology and cameras to locate Wardwell's position. A drone pinpointed him alive and responsive behind the cascade early on Tuesday morning.
A dive and rescue team reached him, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter hoisted him out from behind the waterfall. Wardwell was flown to a nearby landing zone and treated for minor injuries and dehydration before reuniting with his family.
The Tulare County Sheriff's Office had received a report of a missing man on Monday. They issued a reminder to the public to be aware of their environment and capabilities, particularly when navigating whitewater rivers.
This isn't the first time rescuers have been called upon in California. Earlier this month, they helped a hiker who fell approximately 25 feet onto rocks at Big Falls, located near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Sophia Compton, a Digital Production Assistant at our website Digital, reported on this story. She previously covered finance, energy, and tourism as a business reporter and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
[1] Tulare County Sheriff's Office issues reminder after California waterfall rescue. (2022, May 3). Retrieved from https://www.digital.com/news/tulare-county-sheriffs-office-issues-reminder-after-california-waterfall-rescue/
[2] Man trapped behind California waterfall rescued by helicopter. (2022, May 3). Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-trapped-behind-california-waterfall-rescued-by-helicopter/
[3] California man rescued from behind waterfall after two-day ordeal. (2022, May 3). Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-man-rescued-behind-waterfall-ordeal
[4] Man rescued from behind California waterfall. (2022, May 3). Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-rescued-behind-california-waterfall-n1269632
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