Missing Hawaii Hiker Found 'Just In Time'

Nov. 30, 2005
Kyle Lee of the Honolulu Fire Department said Whaley was up to her neck in water.

A 58-year-old hiker missing since Thanksgiving was rescued Monday after the crew of a rescue helicopter spotted her in a stream at the bottom of a steep ravine.

Barbara Whaley was taken to The Queens Medical Center, where she was reported in stable condition Monday night.

Rescue workers said they got to her "just in time."

Search teams said the discovery of her battered prayer card led them to a slide mark where Whaley had fallen over a ledge and into a stream.

Kyle Lee of the Honolulu Fire Department said Whaley was up to her neck in water. He said he didn't know how long she had been in the stream.

"Her condition was pretty critical. I dont know how long she had been in the stream bed, but the only part that was out of the water was her face, so she was able to breathe," said Lee.

Whaley's family said she suffers from diabetes, a heart condition and bi-polar disorder.

Whaley went missing last Thursday after she set out on a hike to pray at Hauula Loop Trail.

Family members said they delayed seeking help, because they had hoped to find her themselves.

Fire rescue units began the official search Saturday.

Whaley's daughter said she had nearly given up hope her mother would be found alive.

"After every passing day, it was so hard to believe. We were just thinking the worst-case scenario," said Maria Whaley. "To know that she's alive, its just like everything is set free. Its amazing."

Fire search and rescue teams were aided in the search by canine search teams and two helicopters.

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