Rescuers plan search for Mount St. Helens climber

[February 16, 2010]  MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. (AP) -- Authorities in Washington state plan to resume rescue efforts for a climber who fell into the crater at Mount St. Helens.

Skamania County undersheriff David Cox said authorities had to call off their search Monday evening because of strong winds, but would start up again at daybreak on Tuesday.

Sheriff's dispatchers received a 911 call early Monday afternoon reporting that a man had tumbled into the volcano crater when a snow cornice collapsed.

The 52-year-old climber was heard blowing an emergency whistle Monday afternoon, but the dangerous winds forced a ground crew, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and another helicopter to abort their efforts to get to him.

Authorities last heard from the man just before darkness fell. Cox said his condition was unknown.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com/

[Associated Press]

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