The slick, granite face of Half Dome, an iconic landmark in California’s Yosemite National Park, draws hikers from around the world, because once you reach the summit, the views are incredible. The infamous “chains section” of the hike requires a permit, and it’s not for the faint of heart. This is the portion of the hike where two people nearly died last month during their descent.
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SFGate reports that an engaged couple found themselves in grave peril after the woman slipped while descending the chains and began sliding down the rock, and then her fiancé became stuck in an attempt to get to her. Brian and Ian Moran had already finished their summit and descent from the chains section when they heard the woman scream. They thought she’d slide right over the edge, but, miraculously, she came to a stop before the drop. Her fiancé left the chains and tried to get to her, becoming stuck on the steep rock face as well.
[RELATED: Half Dome vs. Angels Landing: Which Famous Hike Is Scarier?]
The Morans and some other strangers, including David Morgenstern, worked together to connect various people’s harnesses, slings, and carabiners to form a chain. The Good Samaritans rescued the man and then regrouped before attempting to rescue the woman, who was farther down on the rock and in a more precarious position. Miraculously, thanks to these strangers’ bravery and quick thinking, both hikers walked away from the terrifying incident.
Watch footage of strangers attempting to rescue two hikers who nearly fell off the side of Half Dome below (or see it here).
Header stock image of Half Dome by Krilt/Getty Images
