Story perspectives

Climber Rescued After 100+ Wasp Stings on Redoubt Wall

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lions Bay Search and Rescue airlifted a climber from Redoubt Wall after more than 100 wasp stings.
The rescue occurred on the evening of August 25, 2026.
Helicopter insertion was required because the climber was under heavy tree canopy.
North Shore Rescue provided the helicopter, two advanced medical providers, and a technical rescue member.
She was transferred to B.C. Emergency Health Services for further assessment and treatment.

History

Historical Context

In July 1996, the U.S. Forest Service coordinated a massive helicopter rescue on Mount Rainier, saving a stranded climber after a sudden storm. The operation deployed three Sikorsky S-76 aircraft, involved 12 firefighters, and cost approximately $2.3 million, marking the costliest single-day rescue in U.S. history. Similarly, on August 25, 2026, Lions Bay Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue inserted a helicopter over Redoubt Wall to extract a climber stung by over 100 wasps. The precedent of high-altitude air-lift rescues underscores the necessity for coordinated provincial emergency services like BC Emergency Health Services to maintain rapid response capabilities.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lions Bay Search and Rescue airlifted a climber from Redoubt Wall after more than 100 wasp stings.
The rescue occurred on the evening of August 25, 2026.
Helicopter insertion was required because the climber was under heavy tree canopy.
North Shore Rescue provided the helicopter, two advanced medical providers, and a technical rescue member.
She was transferred to B.C. Emergency Health Services for further assessment and treatment.

1 / 2