Overview

• Ryan Wardwell, 46, of Long Beach set out Sunday to rappel the Class 3C Seven Teacups waterfalls in Sequoia National Forest before coming off his rappel lines and becoming trapped by powerful hydraulics.
• Tulare County search teams used aircraft-mounted infrared cameras to pinpoint his likely location Monday and waited until first light to attempt a rescue because of steep terrain.
• A drone confirmed his position behind the waterfall on Tuesday morning, after which a CHP helicopter lowered a rescuer on a hoist to secure and airlift him to a nearby landing zone.
• Wardwell suffered only minor injuries and dehydration, received treatment on-site and was reunited with his family soon after the extraction.
• Authorities warned that the route’s technical Class 3C rating and last year’s drownings highlight the importance of matching skills and equipment to white-water canyoneering hazards.