Rescue under way for 2 hikers stranded near peak northeast of Darrington

Published 10:22 am Thursday, August 28, 2008

MOUNT VERNON — The Skagit County sheriff’s office says a “fast team” of three rescue hikers is trying to reach two hikers stranded on a mountain ledge while a helicopter waits for a break in the weather.

The sheriff’s office has been in cell phone contact and says the hikers’ exposed condition in the cold and rain at the 6,000-foot level is a serious concern.

The 33-year-old man and his 27-year-old girlfriend called for help Wednesday night at Spire Point, northeast of Darrington. They had lost their gear and were stranded on an 18-inch ledge, unable to go up or down.

It’s about a 10-mile hike for rescuers. A Navy helicopter from Whidbey Island that was unable to reach the hikers Wednesday is on standby.