Two climbers in California stranded on a steep Big Sur cliffside Saturday found themselves 600 feet below the roadway with a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter crew their only way out.Video released by the CHP shows the H-70 helicopter hovering above a steep ravine near Hurricane Point as a rescue technician is lowered on a cable to reach the trapped pair.Big Sur Fire requested help from CHP’s Paso Robles Air Unit at about 6:24 p.m., according to the agency.NOVICE CLIMBER SURVIVES 1,500-FOOT DROP ON CALIFORNIA'S MOUNT SHASTA AFTER HELICOPTER RESCUE DELAYED BY CLOUDSA CHP helicopter rescue technician prepares for a high-risk hoist during the Big Sur cliffside rescue alongthe California coast.(CHP - Coastal Division Air Operations)The terrain was so steep that the technician could not safely disconnect from the hoist hook after reaching the first climber.
Instead, he secured the climber in a Pelican rescue harness and the two were lifted together to rescue personnel waiting at a staging area.The helicopter then returned to the ravine and carried out the same technical maneuver to bring the second climber to safety.RESCUERS FREE CLIMBER TRAPPED BENEATH 16,000-POUND BOULDER ON OREGON'S MOUNT HOOD IN COMPLEX OPERATIONA California Highway Patrol helicopter rescue technician works to secure a stranded climber during a technical hoist operation near Hurricane Point.(CHP - Coastal Division Air Operations)CHP did not release the climbers’ names or explain how they became stranded.Social media users praised the CHP air crew and the rescue teams involved after video of the operation was posted online."Incredible rescue!! Well done guys!!" one commenter wrote.
Another called it an "amazing job by all involved," while another added, "Just incredible, you guys, thanks for what you do!"Both climbers survived the ordeal, authorities said.HIKER AIRLIFTED AFTER TERRIFYING RATTLESNAKE BITE ON REMOTE TRAIL AS INCIDENTS SURGE IN AREACHP helicopter lifts a climber and rescue...