Archive image: The Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrews from Air Station Astoria train above Mt. Saint Helens, Washington, May 1, 2024.
The two helicopter aircrews performed high altitude rescue training including the hoisting aviation survival technicians.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Kirk.
SEATTLE — A Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew worked alongside the Mason County Special Operations Team to conducted the rescue of two hikers, a 51-year-old and 16-year-old, from avalanche chute on Mount Ellinor, Olympic National Forest, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at evening.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Northwest District received a request to assist from Mason County Special Operations Team with two hikers who had fallen in an avalanche chute on Mount Ellinor in Olympic National Forest. Search and rescue personnel on the ground were unable to safely evacuate the patients on foot.
Coast Guard Northwest District watchstanders immediately launched a Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew to conduct the rescue.
The 51-year-old was suffering from abdominal injuries due to a fall, and the 16-year-old injured their knee attempting to assist the hiker.
Both patients were transferred to EMS at Olympia Regional Airport.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.
U.S. Coast Guard Northwest.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
The Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew arrived on scene shortly before 9:00 p.m., deployed the rescue swimmer and safely hoisted both individuals.
The injured hikers were transported to Olympia Regional Airport for evaluation by the emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
Other agencies on scene included Mason County Search and Rescue, Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Olympic Mountain Rescue.
–USCG–
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