Rescue — Straightback Mountain, Nov 6, 2011
31-year-old scout leader and two 14-year-old scouts from a Boy Scout Troop based in Brookline, MA · party of 3
Three hikers — a scout leader and two teenage scouts — became lost after leaving their main group at the summit of Straightback Mountain and going off-trail while heading toward Mount Anna and back to Camp Bell in Gilmanton. They were located by a State Police helicopter using night-vision and FLIR technology at 10:12 p.m., more than two miles from camp and about 200 yards from a main trail. The hikers were cold and tired but uninjured, and hiked out on their own with the rescue team.
What we can learn
NH Fish and Game reminded hikers to be prepared with appropriate gear including warm clothing and lights as days shorten and nights grow colder, and emphasized the importance of staying together when hiking as part of a group.
Contributing factors