Authorities searched for an overdue hiker in Juneau Tuesday evening, who was found with a twisted ankle in a cabin near Point Salisbury.
Alaska State Troopers said in a dispatch that they were notified by police at 8:35 p.m. that Jamie Hurtt, 46, of Juneau, was overdue from hiking on the trail which leads from Thane Road to Point Salisbury. Point Salisbury is located near the mouth of Taku Inlet.
Hurtt had left for his hike at 10 a.m. that morning and had not returned by dark, the dispatch said.
Troopers coordinated the search, and SEADOGS volunteers searched the trail system. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted by patrolling the shore line of Gastineau Channel with a small boat and crew.
Hurtt was located in a cabin near the trail in the vicinity of Point Salisbury, where he had sought shelter at nightfall.
Lt. Ryan Erickson, a spokesman for Coast Guard Sector Juneau, said Hurtt had twisted his ankle. He was escorted by SEADOGS volunteers and they returned to the trail head at 3:20 a.m.
Hurtt could not be immediately reached for comment.
Comments (2)
Add commentSounds like he did the right thing
The hiker named Hurtt got hurt. I had to say it.
It seems he told people where he was headed before left and when to come looking for him if he wasn't back. Also, he had the sense to find a sheltered place to ride out the night rather than try to get home on a twisted ankle in the dark.
The troopers, SEADOGS, and the Coast Guard did a good job too.
I am glad he is safe; but
I am glad he is safe, but this happens all to often around Alaska often with fatal consequences. When I travel in the bush I try to be prepared to spend a couple of nights if I get in a trouble. Don't assume that rescue is a hour away, always carry a submersible VHF handheld radio with a spare battery. I invested in a replacement antenna that gives me three times the range. Might as well leave your cell phone at home, it won't work where and when you need it. A SPOT satellite messenger is another great tool I carry that everyone should have, it may keep family from calling for help when you don't need it, or calling when you do. A 12 gauge shotgun with bear loads and a pack of 12 gauge signal flares from those cheap flare guns works for signaling and protection. A foil space blanket will keep you warm and is easy to see from the air. I don't bother with fire starter as you are not going to get anything burning anyway, better to be dressed in wool or fleece you can wring the water out of. Lastly a bottle of peach schnapps sure helps trick your mind your not freezing to death!