A man from Squamish, B.C., had to be rescued on Tuesday following a BASE jump gone wrong off Slhanay Mountain. BASE jumping involves parachuting or wingsuit flying from fixed structures or cliffs, with the acronym representing different jump points: building, antenna, span, and earth.
Zachery Mayne, during his jump on November 11, made a 90-degree turn and collided with the mountain’s rock face, causing his parachute to collapse. Fortunately, he managed to avoid a fatal fall by catching onto a rock with his chute before his friends alerted Squamish Search and Rescue. Rescuers located Mayne about 20 meters below a cliff on Slhanay Peak, clinging to a small rock outcropping to prevent a potential 450-meter fall.
It took a significant effort, including assistance from North Shore Rescue and Talon Helicopters, to extract Mayne from his precarious position. Despite facing challenging terrain and a midnight rescue operation, Mayne was successfully brought to safety and transported to the hospital by paramedics for treatment of serious lower leg injuries.
Expressing his gratitude, Mayne thanked the rescue teams, his friends, and the Squamish community for their support. Authorities emphasized the importance of outdoor safety in November due to rapidly changing conditions, especially in mountainous regions where darkness and cold temperatures can pose significant risks.
Over the past five years, there have been 14 BASE jumping incidents in B.C., with most occurring in Squamish. B.C. AdventureSmart highlighted the need for proper planning, preparation, and safety measures for individuals engaging in high-risk outdoor activities like BASE jumping. Training, certified equipment, experienced partners, weather monitoring, trip planning, and emergency communication tools are essential for ensuring safe participation in such activities.
