Three sisters from northern Utah were located on Tuesday by the Emery County Search and Rescue near a slot canyon known as The Squeeze.
These sisters are all experienced in technical canyoneering and took off on their adventure Monday morning in the Hidden Splendor area of Emery County. Family members anticipated the sisters to be back to camp anywhere between 10 p.m. and midnight that evening.
They assured family that, once they had reached an area with cell service, they would make contact.
However, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, the Emery County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) Dispatch Center was contacted by the sister’s family and told that they had not made contact.
During the time of the call, Captain Kyle Ekker, Sheriff Greg Funk and the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crew were all busy at the Governor’s Public Safety Summit in Layton. The helicopter launched from the parking lot at the Davis Convention Center with Captain Ekker on board following the report.
The trio was located around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening where they were walking along the Muddy River on their journey back to the camp and the trailhead.
The women were transported by helicopter the remaining distance where search and rescue was staged for a ground search or insertion, if necessary. The ECSO reflected on how this rescue was different from most as the women were experienced and schooled, with proper gear and equipment.
While the women were well-versed in the expedition, they expressed their gratitude to all involved.
The ECSO took time express thanks for the state DPS helicopter and crew for the continued support of the county. Sheriff Funk thanked the search and rescue volunteers, who spend countless amounts of time in training and never fail to step up at a moment’s notice.
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- Photos courtesy of the ECSO
