Missing hunter saved by helicopter after 11 hours in bitter cold, Alaska troopers say

A hunter was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter 11 hours after his friends last saw him, officials said.

Irving Langmade, 63, of Klawock, Alaska was last seen by his hunting buddies at 9 a.m. on Nov, 26, according to a dispatch from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

The hunting group reported their friend missing around 4:15 p.m. near Klawock, according to state troopers.

After the nightfall hit, state troopers called for the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard who offered to fly over the area, officials said.

“We have a system that allows us to see a little easier in the night, especially from the air,” said USCG Petty Officer, Lexie Preston, according to FOX Weather.

At around 8:37 p.m., a USCG helicopter spotted the hunter, hoisted him up and transported him to Klawock airport, state troopers said.

During the rescue, temperatures were 32 degrees, Preston said, according to FOX Weather. Winds were measured at up to 17 mph.

After arriving at the airport, Langmade was transported to a clinic for medical evaluation, officials said..

This story was originally published November 29, 2022 at 4:49 PM with the headline "Missing hunter saved by helicopter after 11 hours in bitter cold, Alaska troopers say."