Improved visibility on Mount Rainier today is allowing searchers to look for four overdue campers and climbers in areas they’ve previously been unable to search, park spokeswoman Patti Wold said.
A Chinook helicopter attempted to help with the search but was turned back by unfavorable conditions, Wold said. The helicopter remains on standby at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
EARLIER REPORT:
Four overdue climbers and campers remain missing at Mount Rainier National Park, and rescue crews plan to resume their search Sunday.
Early Saturday, rescuers searched higher elevations but encountered 60 mph winds, heavy snow and low visibility, park spokeswoman Patti Wold said. They focused on lower elevations in the afternoon.
One missing party is Mark Vucich, 37, of San Diego, and Michelle Trojanowski, 30, of Atlanta. They were due off the mountain a week ago.
The other consists of Sork “Erik” Yang, 52, of Springfield, Ore., and Jin Seol Hee of South Korea. They were attempting to summit through the Disappointment Cleaver route and were due back Monday.
An Army Reserve Chinook helicopter is on standby at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to help in the search if conditions improve Sunday.
The missing parties – two climbers and two snow campers – are prepared for nasty weather, but do not have snowshoes or skis and will need to be assisted down the mountain, Wold said.
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