Four N.J. hikers rescued from Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire; officials intend to bill them for rescue
FRANCONIA, N.H. — Four 18-year-old hikers from New Jersey were rescued from Franconia Ridge in Franconia early Saturday after becoming stranded without lights, adequate food, water or clothing for the conditions, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Law Enforcement Division.
New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified at approximately 8:48 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, that four hikers were stuck on Franconia Ridge in Franconia. One member of the group was reportedly having difficulty breathing and experiencing sore legs.
After speaking with the hikers, officials learned they did not have lights, were running low on food and water and were not properly dressed for the conditions.
Because of strong winds and cold temperatures above 5,000 feet, officials initiated a rescue operation.
Five volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and a conservation officer responded. The volunteers left the trailhead at approximately 10:35 p.m. and hiked more than 4.2 miles to Franconia Ridge and Mount Lincoln.
Rescuers located the four hikers at approximately 1:15 a.m. Saturday and provided them with lights, food, water and warm clothing.
The group was then guided to the summit of Mount Lafayette and down the Old Bridle Path, arriving back at the trailhead at approximately 9:07 a.m. Saturday.
Officials identified the hikers as Jainam Bhavsar, Purva Jayani, Tirth Shah and Advik Yadav, all 18 and from New Jersey. Their hometowns were not released.
According to Fish and Game, the group began hiking at 3:30 p.m. and did not have headlamps or enough food and water to complete the seven- to nine-hour hike.
Because of the group’s lack of preparation, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said it intends to bill the hikers for the cost of the rescue.
Officials reminded hikers that days are becoming shorter and temperatures colder and encouraged people heading outdoors to carry appropriate equipment and prepare for changing conditions.
The rescue was funded through the New Hampshire Hike Safe Card and Search and Rescue Fund. Fish and Game said hunting, fishing and trapping license fees are not used to fund search-and-rescue missions in the state.
