RCMP officers, a drone, and an iPhone all help rescue stranded hikers east of Carrot River [Video]

“We didn’t think we’d be able to get a helicopter out in those conditions,” said Tonge.

Fortunately, an experienced search-and-rescue member was posted at the detachment. Tonge said all options were discussed and the search-and-rescue member was confident he could rescue the hikers before nightfall.

“My biggest concern was having people try and walk through that difficult terrain in the dark, I didn’t think that would be feasible.”

Two members went to the scene on foot, assisted by the drone that led them through the heavily forested areas where they couldn’t follow the riverbank due to the high water levels. Tonge said members were still partially submerged at times due to the high flow rate of the river and the high levels.

Eventually, the RCMP members were able to make contact with the group of hikers. The drone was used to pick “a path of least resistance” through the heavily …