SAR Technician Dave Pope during a recovery operation in the Merced River. Photo by Jack Hoeflich.

Rescue Reports for 2003

YOSAR responded to

214

calls in 2003

FEATURED PHOTO

Rescuer and patient being raised toward the Diving Board of Half Dome. Photo by David Pope.

Rescuer and patient being raised toward the Diving Board of Half Dome. Photo by David Pope. Rescue report and more photos.

POPULAR REPORTS

* Analysis of the Fatalities on The Nose, October 2004. Posted 6-25-07

* Climber fall on Royal Arches with serious injuries, Nov 11, 2007. Report and photos.

* Climber fall on The Nose with serious injuries and hoist rescue, May 17, 2007. Report and photos.

* The two week search for Ottorrina "Terrina" Bonaventura, Aug 2007. Report and photos.

* "Must read" accident analysis from Accidents in North American Mountaineering (ANAM) provided by The American Alpine Club. Reports are available for 2001, 2002, & 2003

PAST REPORTS by YEAR

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
2002 | 2001
Statistics: 1989 to 1999

This page last updated on 2/6/09

SELECTED RESCUES

From Accidents in North American Mountaineering (ANAM)
9-29-03 - Lead fall due to loose rock - Lost Brother
This is a detailed and engrossing first-hand account of a veteran climber's lead fall due to loose rock on a seldom-visited route in Yosemite Valley. This is must-read analysis about following your instincts, placing gear, negotiating a lengthly rescue, and loose rock.

From Accidents in North American Mountaineering (ANAM)
6-2-03 - Climber injured due to rock fall - Middle Cathedral
This ANAM accident report illustrates the importance of effective communication between leader and follower, the dangers of loose rock to seconds, and that climbing helmets save lives.

From Accidents in North American Mountaineering (ANAM)
5-26-03 - Big wall lead fall and rescue - Sunkist, El Capitan
A first-hand big wall climber's account of his 80-foot lead fall on the 15th pitch of El Cap's Sunkist, VI 5.9 A4 that injured both him and his belayer sufficiently to require immediate rescue. This report gives useful details about airy gear placements as well as subtle details of belay and Screamer setup that can prevent injuring your belayer.