Coast Guard rescues two injured hikers in Olympic National Park

Associated Press

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - The Coast Guard said it sent

helicopters to rescue two injured hikers who had fallen about 50 feet into a ravine in Olympic National Park.

Petty Officer Katelyn Tyson said a 19-year-old man was able to contact park rangers by satellite phone on Wednesday. He said he had fallen into the ravine and his condition was deteriorating.

Ground rescuers would have had to hike about 12 miles to reach the man, so the park asked for Coast Guard assistance.

A helicopter crew from the Coast Guard air station at Port Angeles hoisted the injured hiker aboard and also rescued a second hiker in the ravine. The second person had minor injuries.

The hikers were taken by ambulance to a Port Angeles hospital. Their conditions were not known Wednesday night.