Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) used drones to help rescue a stranded climber on the Stawamus Chief on Thursday night.

The team was called after receiving a report of a climber stranded about 77 metres above the ground on a route known as Alaska Highway. According to Squamish SAR, the individual was secured to an anchor but without a rope

In a social media post, the rescue team said the combination of rockfall hazards and the scale of the terrain made a traditional rope rescue significantly more challenging.

To overcome those obstacles, SAR crews deployed two drones.

One drone was used to illuminate the area, while the second guided the climber to a lightweight messenger line. The line was then used to deliver a climbing rope to the stranded climber.

Once the rope was secured, the climber safely rappelled to the ground with guidance from rescue personnel. Crews also delivered a jacket to help keep him warm during the operation.

Squamish SAR said the use of drone technology allowed the team to complete the rescue while reducing risk to both rescuers and the stranded climber.