Stranded Climber Rescued On West Rock: Hamden Fire Department

HAMDEN, CT — Firefighters rescued a stranded climber on West Rock on Wednesday night, according to the Hamden Fire Department.

Hamden Fire Department units were dispatched around 4:50 p.m. to assist the Woodbridge Fire Department with a technical mountain rescue, according to officials.

Officials said two climbers were stranded on the mountain side, with one about 150 feet off the ground, and the other was around 300 feet off the ground.

“HFD units proceeded to the top of West Rock State Park and began setting up for a high angle rope rescue,” officials wrote in a post on the Hamden Fire Department’s Facebook page. “At this time the lowest climber was able to self rescue and safely get back to the ground. The highest climber was found to be approximately 50-60’ down from the top of the cliff and was precariously stuck on a small outcropping clung to a tree with a sheer vertical face above him. Members onscene quickly established anchors, rigged the lowering system and sent a rescuer over the edge to effect the rescue. Once at the patient, he was secured into a harness and into our rescue ropes. They were hauled back up to the top of the cliff without incident. The patient was evaluated on scene.

“Solid teamwork by all companies and a testament to training and professionalism!”

For photos of the rescue, visit the Hamden Fire Department’s Facebook page here.