US hikers face rescue bill after ‘lack of preparation’
Do you think they should have to pay?
Four 18-year-old hikers are expected to be billed for the cost of their rescue after becoming stranded on Franconia Ridge in the US state of New Hampshire, with authorities citing a ‘lack of preparation’.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the group found themselves in difficulty last Friday after one hiker developed breathing problems and sore legs. The group was above 1500m, where strong winds and cold temperatures prompted a rescue call.
Five volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, accompanied by a Conservation Officer, responded. The rescue team began hiking towards the group at 10.35pm and located the hikers at 1.15am the following morning.
According to the department, the hikers were carrying no lights and had limited food and water. They were also not adequately dressed for the conditions.
Rescuers provided the group with lights, food, water and warm clothing before guiding them safely off the ridge.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says it intends to bill the hikers for the cost of the rescue, citing their apparent lack of preparation for the conditions they encountered.
They need not say how much the hikers will be charged.
The incident has reignited debate over whether hikers who require rescue because they are inadequately prepared should be expected to contribute towards the cost of their rescue.
Search and rescue teams are often staffed by volunteers, and operations can require significant resources, particularly in remote or challenging terrain.
But where should the line be drawn? Weather can change unexpectedly, even for experienced hikers, and mistakes can happen in the outdoors.
Do you think the hikers should be charged for their rescue, or should search and rescue remain a free public service regardless of how well prepared someone is?
