DPS Air Rescue Plays a Critical Role in the Rescue of a Swiss Tourist Trapped in Waterholes Canyon Near Page on Tuesday Feb. 21

DPS Air Rescue, along with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office and the Page Fire Department, rescued a 35 year-old Swiss tourist on Feb. 20 in the Waterholes Canyon, south of Page.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office received a call on Feb. 20 around 2 pm regarding a missing hiker in the Waterholes Canyon area about three miles south of Page. The hiker went into the canyon mid-afternoon on Friday and became stranded after suffering ropes burns which prevented him from ascending back out of the canyon.

The Navajo Tribal Police Department found his vehicle was found near Highway 89 and milepost 542 after the hiker’s wife in Switzerland filed a missing persons report.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office, along with a DPS officer, walked through the canyon and made vocal contact with the stranded hiker. DPS Air Rescue Unit was called in order to fly in a Search and Rescue Team consisting of Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue personnel and DPS Officer / Paramedic.

The hiker was treated at the scene for rope burns and dehydration and was eventually lead out of the canyon. From there he was taken to the Page Hospital by the Page Fire Department and is expected to make a full recovery.