This Is Our Nightmare: Rescuers Take 12 Hours to Save a Trapped Rock Climber

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A rock climber in a popular Utah climbing spot became trapped after his knee got stuck in the crack of the route. According to San Juan County Search and Rescue, the man became trapped Saturday night when he slipped and jammed his knee into the route.

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Rescuers say the man was climbing on a route called “Generic Crack” in the famous Indian Creek climbing area.

rock climbing rescue — *Crews setting up rappels. (Source: San Juan County UT Search and Rescue)*

The man’s climbing partner called 911 after realizing they could not free the victim from the rock.

After determining the victim was too high for rescuers, they called in a helicopter to shuttle their team members to the top of the climbing route. They then rappelled down to the man to try to remove him from the rock but had little success.

rock climber stuck — *The helicopter used in the rescue. (Source: San Juan County UT Search and Rescue)*

According to media outlets, additional search and rescue teams responded to help. Crews used a mix of different lubricants like soap and other items to try to free the man’s leg. By the time he got out, it had been 12 hours.

“Thankfully he only suffered minor injuries,” posted the San Juan County Search and Rescue. “A huge thank you to our partners Classic Air Medical and Grand County SAR. Without them this rescue would not have been possible.”