Man rescued from mine shaft

Rescuers found a 52-year-old male who was tangled in his ropes and suspended upside down in an abandoned mine shaft near the Cold Springs trail in Moran State Park. The man was accompanied by a friend who was able to hale hikers on the trail who then called 911.

February 10, 2013 4:45 pm

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue responded to a call for an Orcas citizen trapped in an abandoned mine shaft on Mt. Constitution around 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

Rescuers found a 52-year-old male who was tangled in his ropes and suspended upside down in an abandoned mine shaft near the Cold Springs trail in Moran State Park. The man was accompanied by a friend who was able to hale hikers on the trail who then called 911.

Thirty-two OIFR members and four units were involved in the incident. Responders hiked approximately three quarters of a mile from a trailhead and initiated rope rescue operations. Within two hours, the man was safely out of the shaft. He was uninjured.

OIFR’s technical rescue team provides rescue capabilities to address the unique situations that can arise in diverse island topography.

Because of the many areas near cliffs, hills and water, OIFR recommends exercising care and caution and offers these tips:

• Explore the island with a partner

• If exploring trails and areas alone, tell someone your plans

• Always wear a life jacket on the water

For more information, contact Chief Kevin O’Brien at kobrien@orcasfire.org or (360) 298-5178.