Gorge rescue ends early

Emergency responders were dispatched to the Niagara Gorge on Thursday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. to try to locate a couple who had gotten lost and frightened by quickly changing trail conditions due to a heavy downpour of rain.

Niagara Falls Fire platoon chief, Pete Methner said conditions can change quickly in the gorge, especially by the wooden stairs near Stanley Avenue, where there is a small stream that picks up momentum in wet conditions.

He says the couple — from Niagara — lost their way after leaving the marked path, which is advised against by plenty of signs posted in the area.

Part of the struggle in situations is making sure the rescue crews also get down safely, said Methner.

Efforts to find the couple continued for about an hour, while Niagara Parks Commission police had intermittent contact with the couple via cellphone.

As firefighters and Parks police were preparing to scale down the bank to locate them, the couple notified rescuers they were going to start walking out on their own since the rain had died down.

Parks Police Sergeant Lance Dobbin said it was a typical lost hiker situation, a call he said they get a couple times per week.

He reminds hikers to be vigilant in checking weather conditions and using a buddy system when exploring the gorge, as well as staying on the marked paths.

According to Dobbin, even locals can get turned around fairly easily down there, especially at night.

The couple had entered the gorge through the stairs at the Niagara Glen.

Parks police stayed around to chat with the hikers about safety when they reached the top.