A snowmachine survived a 60-foot fall into a glacier crevasse near Paxson, Alaska, after good Samaritans executed a dangerous rescue. The accident happened Saturday north of Paxson near Gakona Glacier when the rider unexpectedly hit a deep crevasse.
Shortly before 6 in the evening, authorities got an emergency call and promptly organized resources to help. Fairbanks resident Clyde Hewitt, 38, received an urgent plea for help while on a weekend getaway with friends.
A friend who was riding close by told him that a snowmachine had fallen into a chasm and needed to be rescued. After hurriedly gathering necessary equipment, such as ropes and pulleys, Hewitt and his team rode for 30 minutes.
When they arrived, they saw that rescuers had already fastened a rope to an anchored snowmachine and that one person was belaying into the abyss. Developing an extraction strategy required close communication with the stranded rider.
Hewitt initially attempted to send down a harness, but the snowmachine struggled to put it on due to its limited mobility. Using a puööey system, the group worked together to haul him out of the crevasse safely.
Massive fissures in the glacier ice, known as glacial crevasses, can reach depths of more than 100 feet and provide serious hazards to winter sports enthusiasts. To prevent fatal falls, snow machines, skiers, and snowshoers must use caution when traversing such dangerous terrain.
This rescue mission highlights the dangers of glacial terrain and the importance of preparation. Hewitt emphasized that anyone riding in remote areas must carry safety gear, remain cautious, and always be ready for unexpected emergencies.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
