Hikers airlifted off McNabs Island
Posted Oct 9, 2015 03:54:03 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX — Two hikers had to be airlifted off McNabs Island late Thursday night after becoming stranded.
Halifax District RCMP say two German tourists – a 70-year-old man and a 40-year-old man – went to the island for the day to do some geocaching.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Greg Church says the elder of the two men tried to use a short cut after realizing it was getting dark, and found himself too exhausted and dehydrated to make his way out.
“The terrain on McNabs Island, once you leave the trail, is extremely hazardous and extremely difficult to negotiate your way through,” said Church.
“He made every effort to get through, but because of the physical exertion that was required to move himself through terrain and bush that thick, he became physically exhausted quite quickly.”
RCMP and Halifax Fire and Emergengy responded to the island after the hikers called for help at approximately 7:55 p.m. Due to the rugged terrain, rescuers determined they would be unable to get the men out on foot.
A helicopter was then dispatched from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the hikers, along with their 11-week-old German Shepherd puppy were airlifted and brought to CFB Shearwater.
The 70-year-old hiker was treated and released by Emergency Health Services personnel.
