On June 1, 2024, a dramatic mountain rescue operation involving multiple agencies sprang into action in the Sandia Mountains. The incident centered around two climbers, one of whom suffered a significant fall in the rugged Pinnacle Valley area. The other climber managed to ascend to the Crest Trail and make their way to the Incident Base on foot.
The fallen climber, however, required a more intricate rescue effort. Utilizing high and low angle rope systems, rescuers worked meticulously to evacuate the injured climber from the steep terrain. The patient was first brought up the most challenging section with high angle systems before transitioning to low angle ropes.
The rescue mission mobilized approximately 60 responders, including the Bernalillo County Sheriff and Firefighters, Albuquerque Police Open Space, Albuquerque Fire Technical Rescue Team, NM State Police SAR, NM National Guard, NM SAR, Cibola Search and Rescue, Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council, and Atalaya Search and Rescue.
The operation, which began around 2:00 PM on June 1st, extended into the early morning hours of June 2nd. The injured climber was finally transferred to a transport agency just before 1:00 AM. The successful rescue underscored the critical importance of cooperation and coordination among the various teams involved.
You can keep up with the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council Search and Rescue Team on their Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
Stay connected with the Cibola Search and Rescue Team on their Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
You can follow the NM SAR on their Facebook page HERE.
For updates on the Albuquerque Fire Rescue at their Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
You can find the Bernalillo County Fire Rescue at the Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
You can follow the Bernalillo County Sheriff at the Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
Stay connected with the NM State Police at the Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
You can follow the NM National Guard at the Facebook page HERE.
For updates on the Atalaya Search and Rescue at the Facebook page HERE or their Instagram page HERE.
Yup no backing by APD chief or Mayor… surprise surprise