The real story behind this Jeep Grand Cherokee having to be airlifted off a glacier in Alaska
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee became stuck 16 miles off an Alaskan trail
- Requiring a specialist rescue and helicopter, the mission cost more than $8,000
- Requiring three rescue attempts, it took over two weeks to recover the Jeep
Published on Aug 20, 2024 at 2:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Niamh Spence
Last updated on Aug 20, 2024 at 8:49 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
A rescue attempt worthy of Hollywood movies was launched to airlift out a stranded Jeep Grand Cherokee after it was stuck in a glacier off an Alaskan trail.
After the Jeep Grand Cherokee came off the path 16 miles into a route that runs by Knik Glacier, it was stuck in a protected environmental area and needed specialist help to be removed using a helicopter and tow recovery.
Costing $8,250 for the helicopter alone, the rescue operation took skill and expertise as recovery company Elite Towing & Recovery combined forces with Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources.
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A grand rescue
Owing to the difficult conditions and the vehicle’s further slide into the glacier, the rescue mission wasn’t simple.
Although it was first discovered on June 20, it took another two weeks before it was eventually lifted out.
Speaking to The Drive, Cody Gray, owner of Elite Towing and Recovery explained: “We tried to go in twice after getting the call and we couldn’t make it across Metal Creek.
“It had rained a ton between the time the guy went in there and when we went in.”
Whilst eventually a helicopter rescue was able to remove the Jeep, it wasn’t a simple lift out process.
Due to the angle of the vehicle, the Jeep needed to be lifted out on its side with a rig attached to the passenger door.
Gray added: “In 30 years here, I’ve never recovered a vehicle that far back.
“They were back there where they should not have been.”
The cost of rescuing a Jeep Grand Cherokee
So looking at the costs of how much the fees came to after the rescue was complete is eye watering.
The helicopter alone cost $8,250 to lift the vehicle out, and with initial failed attempts meaning time, effort, and resources, it’s been a costly operation, to say the least.
Additionally, leaving a vehicle unattended in this area of Alaska for more than 72 hours in the Knik River Public Use Area can result in a $400 fine and with the vehicle stuck for more than two weeks that can quickly add up.
Still, it’s out now, and everyone involved is safe, so that’s the main thing, right?
