A man from Squamish, British Columbia, was saved on Tuesday following a mishap while BASE jumping from Slhanay Mountain. BASE jumping involves parachuting or wingsuit flying from a fixed structure or cliff, with BASE standing for building, antenna, span, and earth.
Zachery Mayne, the jumper, veered off course during his jump on November 11, leading to a collision with the mountain’s rock face. Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) manager Mike Teske explained that Mayne’s parachute malfunctioned, causing him to descend rapidly until it caught on the rocks.
Fortunately, Mayne was able to maneuver to a small ledge and safely detach from his parachute to avoid being blown off the mountain by the winds. His friends alerted authorities around 4:30 p.m., guiding 30 search and rescue personnel to his position, located approximately 20 meters below a cliff on Slhanay Peak.
Upon arrival, the SAR team discovered Mayne clinging to a precarious rock outcropping to prevent a fall of over 450 meters, which would have been fatal. Despite the challenging terrain, the rescue team successfully reached Mayne with the assistance of North Shore Rescue and Talon Helicopters.
Following a complex operation, Mayne was finally rescued at midnight. He was then transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition due to significant lower leg injuries. Mayne expressed his gratitude to the rescue teams, his friends, and the Squamish community for their support.
Mike Teske emphasized the importance of outdoor enthusiasts being mindful of November conditions, as daylight decreases rapidly and temperatures plummet swiftly after sunset. Over the past five years, there have been 14 BASE jumping incidents in British Columbia, with the majority occurring in Squamish. B.C. AdventureSmart advocates for proper planning, preparedness, and safety prioritization for individuals engaging in high-risk activities like BASE jumping. They recommend training, certified equipment, experienced partners, monitoring weather conditions, filing trip plans, and carrying communication devices for emergencies.