Rescuers were lowered from a helicopter to lift four stranded hikers from a mountain cliff about halfway between Port Alberni and Tofino on Tuesday night.
Richard Johns of the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad said the mountain is commonly known as 5040 — a reference to its height — and is accessed just off Highway 4.
He said the hikers were German tourists who were unfamiliar with the area and “weren’t really prepared for what they were walking into.”
“They saw it on social media, which is kind of a common thread that we see,” Johns said. “People see these great hikes but don’t do enough research.”
The hikers ended up on a trail that was more challenging and a little more exposed than others on the mountain, he said.
The call for help was received about 6:30 p.m., which gave the rescue crew enough of a window for a helicopter rescue before darkness, Johns said.
Ascent Helicopters, which has been contracted for rescues, responded with an aircraft from its base in Parksville.
Johns said hoist technicians from the Alberni Valley crew were lowered from the helicopter to the stranded hikers to bring them up to safety.
Having the ability to do that “is definitely a great tool” that the team has had for the past year after several members received training, Johns said.
He said it was fortunate that the hiking group had a newer-model iPhone with an SOS function that allows communication through a satellite system.
An older cellphone without that feature wouldn’t have worked in the area, Johns said.
Johns said the team takes the summer off from training but is “getting into their busy season” for rescue activity with people heading outdoors more.
Team members train at least one day a week for most of the year, and more for advanced techniques, he said.
