RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARLost
Rescue — Mount Washington, Apr 1, 2009
17-year-old male hiker from Halifax, MA
Scott Mason, age 17, departed Pinkham Notch Visitor Center alone intending to complete a 17-mile hike in one day and went missing for three days in April 2009. He sprained his ankle on the first day and attempted a shortcut through the Great Gulf Wilderness, becoming lost. He was located after an extensive multi-day search involving helicopters from Maine and Vermont at a cost of approximately $25,235.
What we can learn
The Attorney General and Fish and Game Executive Director expressed hope that publicity about Mason's experience would serve as a teaching moment, noting that the dangers and risks of hiking in the White Mountains should never be underestimated.
Contributing factors
SoloUnderestimated distanceOff trail