A video of the rescue of a man who slipped off the cables on June 22 has been posted to YouTube. It shows fellow hikers taking the right side cables apart to use as a support “rope” to extend out to the man. From the audio it appears the James Williams was the leader of the rescue effort. It looks like he was attached to the cable by a rope and then lopped the loose cable out to the victim. The man grabbed the cable and walked back to the remaining cable and off Half Dome.
Half Dome cables rescue #1
Half Dome cables rescue #2
Half Dome cables rescue #3
Half Dome cables rescue #4
The incident began when the victim reached to grab a falling walkie-talkie that came down from above. He apparently lost his balance and slid out. Note the large crowd at the bottom helping out.
It appears to be very late in the day, judgin by the shadows. There is no explanation or other details following the video – or who took it. James Williams is credited on the YouTube as the submitter.
A tip of the hat to all involved. Whew. A bullet was dodged. Be careful.
Unrelated thought worth quoting: “Rescue me, take me in your arms. Rescue me, I want your tender charm. ‘Cause I’m lonely and I’m blue. I need you, and your love too. Come on and rescue me.” – Fontella Bass
MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com
One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome
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