Dramatic footage captures the moment rescuers in Las Vegas save a solo climber just as he risks losing his grip on a mountainside.
The video shows a courageous police officer rappelling down the south face of Mt. Lorne, making his way toward the anxious climber to bring him to safety.
On Monday, August 10, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Search and Rescue team responded to a call about someone stranded while climbing the mountain’s south face.
The officer secured the climber to himself, enabling a helicopter to perform a “double-up lezard hoist” to lift them both safely off the mountain.
They were then flown to a makeshift landing area near a horse park and handed over to ground responders without injury. The climber, whose identity wasn’t revealed, had some indoor climbing experience but lacked the necessary preparation and equipment for outdoor climbing.
Authorities in Las Vegas issued a warning for adventurous climbers to reconsider before tackling such challenges without proper readiness.
“Outdoor climbing demands skills, preparation, and risk assessments that are quite different from indoor settings,” the police noted. They advised beginners to seek help from qualified guides, use proper routes, and carry the right equipment.
It’s worth mentioning that Las Vegas was experiencing a high of 106 degrees on that day, making the rescue even more challenging, according to AccuWeather.
Lone Mountain, a well-known spot in northwest Las Vegas, rises about 560 feet above the desert floor and is a favorite among local hikers.
