A hiker in Canada became stranded on a treacherous cliffside after following Google Maps, according to rescuers. The hiker had attempted to climb Mount Fromme, which is located in the North Shore Mountains north of Vancouver, British Columbia. This incident marks the third time that rescuers have had to rescue someone who followed a nonexistent trail on Google Maps in the area. North Shore Rescue reached out to Google to have the erroneous trail removed, which has now been accomplished.
Despite efforts to contact Google, the company did not provide an immediate response to inquiries regarding the situation. Rescuers emphasized that the area in question is extremely steep and scattered with perilous cliffs, with no designated trails. Numerous individuals commented on the post, revealing that they had previously submitted feedback on the app about the lack of trails and previous incidents, including a fatality, in the area. Warning signs have now been placed in the area to deter hikers from following the misleading path depicted on Google Maps.
The rescue operation was particularly challenging due to low cloud cover, which hindered visibility. The rescue team resorted to a combination of rope and helicopter rescues to locate and extract the stranded hiker. They were unable to spot the hiker from the air as they lacked a source of light to penetrate the dense tree canopy. Consequently, the team dispatched two technicians via rope to navigate the terrain and rescue the hiker, who was then safely lowered to the ground and evacuated by helicopter.
Rescuers strongly advised against relying solely on navigation apps like Google Maps when venturing into the wilderness. Instead, they recommended the use of specialized phone-based navigation apps, such as CalTopo or Gaia, which offer pre-loaded wilderness topo maps for the area. Although having a traditional paper map and compass is ideal, hikers who use their phones for navigation should carry an additional fully charged external battery to mitigate the impact on battery life, especially in cold conditions where batteries may drain faster.
According to officials, conducting thorough research beyond Google Maps would have revealed the absence of trails in the area. They also noted that the stranded hiker was ill-equipped, lacking appropriate footwear for rugged terrain, minimal gear, and a flashlight, which compromised visibility during the rescue operation.
Guidance for Lost Hikers
If hikers find themselves lost, experts recommend staying calm and remaining in place without attempting any unnecessary movements. It is important to assess the journey that led to the current location and look for recognizable landmarks. Hikers should devise a plan but refrain from taking action unless they are exceedingly confident in their chosen route.
To avoid getting lost and be better prepared for unexpected circumstances, hikers should take several precautions:
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Carry an ample supply of food and water
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Bring a compass or GPS device
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Avoid relying solely on a cellphone, as signal and battery life may be unreliable
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Familiarize oneself with the terrain and planned route
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Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing for changing weather conditions
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Pack a blanket, flashlight, and matches
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Consult local rangers for any special warnings or information, such as fires, bear sightings, flooding, or trail/road closures
