Lincoln Crews Rescue 2 Rhode Island Hikers Stranded Near Top Of Flume Slide

LINCOLN, NH — Two Rhode Island hikers were rescued Thursday after getting stuck near the top of the Flume Slide on Mount Flume in Lincoln, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

The agency said it was notified at around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday that two hikers could neither ascend nor descend due to extremely icy trail conditions.

The hikers were identified as Casey Cullinan, 30, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and William Becker, 30, of Hope Valley, RI. According to Fish and Game, the pair told responders they were unable to move from their location. After speaking with the hikers, Fish and Game determined that the only way to get them down was to send rescuers equipped with crampons, ropes, and harnesses.

Mountain Rescue Service and the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trailhead with Conservation Officers, according to the agency. Rescuers hiked up to the stranded hikers and arrived at 6:15 p.m. Fish and Game reported that rescue teams used ropes, crampons, and harnesses to lower the hikers to safety.

After they were brought to a safe location on the trail, the hikers were able to hike out, according to Fish and Game. The hikers and rescuers returned safely to the trailhead at 11:10 p.m.

Fish and Game said Cullinan and Becker were prepared for an overnight winter hike and camping, but had microspikes instead of crampons. The agency also said the pair had already spent one night out camping before the rescue.

The rescue effort was further complicated by swollen brook crossings at numerous locations, according to Fish and Game. During the operation, rescuers had to set up safety lines at those crossings.

In its release, Fish and Game said the incident is a reminder that warmer temperatures and melting snow can make brook and stream crossings impassable. The agency said hikers should be aware that changing conditions can quickly affect travel on mountain trails.

No injuries were reported in the release.