Fog Halts Helicopter Rescue, Forcing Dramatic Change of Plan on West Coast Trail

Fog halts helicopter rescue, forcing dramatic change of plan on West Coast Trail

A medical emergency on the West Coast Trail south of Pachena Bay turned into a complex rescue Wednesday after coastal fog forced crews to abandon an attempted aerial extraction.

Hiker rescued from West Coast Trail after fog blocks helicopter access

A hiker was carried off the West Coast Trail on Tuesday after experiencing a “medical emergency” about one kilometre south of the Pachena Bay Information Centre. The Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS) was called to the trail by Parks Canada and initially tried to reach the hiker using one of its Class D Fixed Line (CDFL) helicopter rope teams onboard Airspan Helicopters. “Unfortunately, as is normal with August weather, the sea fog rolled in and…