Searchers on an Alaska’s Bear Glacier Monday were battling the clock and the elements to find two skiers, missing since Friday.
The National Guard rescue team had to struggle through snow and wind up to 30 knots. These gusts kept the rescue helicopter “grounded at the base of the glacier,” initially, according to the AP, but pararescuemen were inserted north of the position where Alaskans Jennifer Neyman and Christopher Hanna are believed to be located later in the day.
Attempts to reach them Sunday were curtailed by weather. Most flight in the area is still impossible.
The skiers, both Kennai Penninsula residents, had been dropped off by plane Friday before the weather took an awful turn. High winds shredded their tent. They managed to dig snow caves for shelter and survive.
Neyman and Hanna have communicated with the outside world by cell and satellite text message saying that they are OK. However, they are running short of provisions in a very unforgiving environment.
Searchers have their work cut out for them. The pair are stranded on the largest ice field in the world, about 13 miles long and about 4,300 feet above sea level.
