Rescued Hikers Survive Snowy Mountains Ordeal

0:00From Adelaide, this is your February 26th update. Two young women hikers were rescued from a narrow ledge in the remote snowy mountains of New South Wales after a grueling 24-hour operation. They got stranded Tuesday evening while trekking through Watson's crags in Coshisco National Park, prompting a call for help from emergency crews. State emergency service teams raised against nightfall in brutal weather, including wind gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour. 14 specialists Alpine search and rescue volunteers hauled gear for kilometers by vehicle and on foot before repelling down 300, 50 meter cliffs to reach them. Chief Inspector Malika Bailey called it one of their toughest missions in the rugged New South Wales Alps, with crews managing fatigue through the harsh conditions. The hikers were well prepared with food, water, and proper clothing for a multi-day trip. No one was hurt in the rescue, and the women were safely brought back up the cliffs. The area east of Gihai is known for its steep unforgiving terrain, similar to where another

1:01hikers survived two weeks lost earlier this year. Local guide Doug Chatton, with over 30 years in the region, says Watson's crags demands top preparation. He warns that even skilled hikers can get overwhelmed by the exposure and steep drops. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode, What Is Cooler Than Cool? A pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.