Volunteers rescue climber stranded on small ledge in California’s Sierra Nevada

Mammoth Lakes, California (AP) — A group of volunteers spent over 15 hours rescuing a man stranded on a small ledge in the Sierra Nevada, according to the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team. The rescue took place last weekend near Mammoth Lakes. The team faced a challenging terrain with only thousands of feet of vertical drop below them.

The stranded climber, Rob Martin, was on a precarious 6-inch (15-centimeter) ledge, using both feet to maintain his position, and appeared to be in a state of exhaustion. Any fall would have been almost certainly fatal, according to the team. Rescue spokesperson Mitchell Quiring praised Martin for his strength and determination, saying that he refused to give up until a solution was found. The volunteers had extensive experience in carrying out technical rescues and were dispatched by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office.