Snow, fog hamper rescue of 15 hikers in backwoods above Jordan River

Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue was called before noon Sunday Nov. 24, 2024 for a group of 15 (four adults and 11 kids roughly aged 11 to 15) stranded on the Kludahk Trail northeast of Jordan River, forced into a second unexpected overnight by winter conditions. Coordinator and search manager Victoria Clarke said she suspected the group underestimated the winter conditions, noting the risk of hypothermia once hikers get wet and cold. The group had hiked up, overnighted at Meadow Cabin, continued to Wye Lake, then called for help via an InReach satellite communicator when hiking out as a group proved impossible. West Coast Helicopters inserted two people, including Clarke, to make first contact and assess the situation; the 442 Squadron military SAR helicopter, based in Comox, was placed on call with an initial plan to airlift all 15 out, but low clouds and the setting sun scuttled the full airlift. Two adults and six kids hiked out with Juan de Fuca and Metchosin SAR members while others sheltered in place overnight with a fire and hot food. Clarke praised the group for calling early and having communication devices, and said the rescue drew on West Coast Helicopters, Metchosin Search and Rescue, and 442 Squadron.