Man rescued from LaPush cliff by Coast Guard (click here for video link)
By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News
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You can see video of the rescue by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/cgrescue
LaPush Police Chief William Lyon said the man, who authorities didn't identify, was stuck on the rocky face at the mouth of the Quillayute River for about 2 ½ hours.
"He got 150 feet and was unable to go up or down," Lyon said.
"It's real rocky there -- not good for climbing."
Climbing is prohibited at Little James Island, which is part of the Quileute Reservation.
Copter summoned
LaPush police called the Coast Guard Station Quillayute River to request a rescue copter at 12:46 p.m., the Coast Guard said.
First responders told the man to stay put until the HH-65C helicopter crew arrived from Port Angeles.
The aircraft was launched at 1:37 p.m. and arrived at the scene at about 2 p.m., the Coast Guard said.
The man was flown to a waiting emergency medical crew at the Quillayute station.
An enforcement team from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in the rescue, which was the second in the past month at Little James Island.
Another climber broke some bones when he fell about 50 feet less than a month ago, Lyon said.
Warning signs will be posted later this week, Lyon said.
"Don't climb there," he said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com
Last modified: July 14. 2009 11:27PM