Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue bring two men to safety

French Creek Crossing along the Icicle Creek Trail, April 28. Photo courtesy: Chelan County Sheriff's Emergency Management.

It was a  first of the hiking season search and rescue.  RiverCom 9-1-1 received a satellite text Monday afternoon from injured hikers on the Icicle Creek Trail near French Creek. Through additional messages, RiverCom was able to obtain there were two 21-year old hikers who tried to cross a creek and got swept away. Chelan County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Director, Sgt. Jason Reinfeld says the men sustained some lower body injuries and one of the men may have suffered a broken toe. They were on the shore awaiting assistance.

The satellite text messages also provided a precise location for the hikers, where two Chelan County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue Deputies responded as well as 12 members of Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue including ground team and communications personnel.

Deputies hiked in approximately 1.5 miles to the French Creek crossing where the men were located.

It was determined there was nothing more than minor injuries but the two hikers would need assistance getting back across the creek. The creek had heavy snow melt run-off and the trail bridge was no longer passable.

Deputies on scene requested rope equipment and Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue personnel carried the necessary gear to the location. The team of rescuers set up a rope system to assist the hikers in crossing French Creek. They were able to hike out with the rescuers and made it to the trailhead at approximately 10:00 p.m. Monday.

Chelan County uses the Everbridge Emergency Alert System to send emergency alerts via text, email or voicemail. Sign up here.