A free climber was rescued Tuesday from a Georgia cliff face after becoming stranded and calling 911. The climber, whose identity has not been released, was stuck on the west face of Mount Yonah, a prominent ridge in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
White County Public Safety officials reported that the man made the emergency call around 7 p.m. He stated he was unable to climb either up or down the mountain safely. Authorities utilized a drone to pinpoint his location. He was found standing on a small ledge approximately 260 feet up the mountain.
Firefighter Will Roper of White County descended the rock face using a rappel. Drone footage captured the moment Roper maneuvered below the stranded climber, secured him in a harness, and attached him to a rope. The climber was then hoisted to the summit. The entire operation lasted about 42 minutes.
Roper, who has been a firefighter for some time, told FOX 5 Atlanta that this was his first mountain rescue of a live subject. He described the experience as nerve-wracking but noted the climber remained remarkably calm. Roper recounted joking with the man, asking if he had been rescued before due to his composure.
The climber explained to Roper that he had prior experience with Mount Yonah but had chosen an incorrect route, leading to his predicament. Roper expressed satisfaction with the successful rescue, stating he was glad to have used his technical training to help someone in need.