A search and rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island rescued an injured skier near Sahale Mountain in the Cascade Mountain Range on Saturday, July 9, according to a press release from the base.

The NAS Whidbey Island SAR duty crew received an alert Saturday night just after 9 p.m. to rescue a 35-year-old male who suffered severe torso injuries from a skiing accident near the Cascade Pass at 5,700 feet. After making appropriate preparation for the high elevation rescue, the crew was airborne within an hour.

The SAR crew coordinated with the Chelan County Sheriff’s office on mission details and local weather conditions while in transit. The crew was able to locate the injured man shortly after 10:30 p.m. The team departed the area after 11 p.m. and delivered the severely injured patient to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle around 11:40 that night.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island SAR has conducted 16 missions this calendar year, which include eight MEDEVACs, seven rescues, and one search.

The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60S helicopters from NAS Whidbey Island as search and rescue/medical evacuation platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. Pursuant to the National SAR Plan of the United States, the unit may also be used for civil rescue and medical evacuation needs to the fullest extent practicable on a non-interference basis with primary military duties.