Stories like these do not always end well, especially when elderly citizens are involved. Fortunately, with the help of authorities, this one did.

U.S. Border Patrol agents from Malta Station were notified that three hunters who were lost and stranded while navigating through a blizzard north of Malta. The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office requested their assistance in locating the hunters who were stranded in a remote area after their vehicle became stuck during a winter blizzard.  Dispatch reported that one of the individuals was an elderly man who would be unable to walk through the blizzard conditions. The U.S. Border Patrol is equipped with a tracked utility terrain vehicle  capable of reaching such areas in adverse conditions.

Malta Station agents traveled to the GPS coordinates, which were provided by the hunters.  The agents tried to assist in freeing the hunters' vehicle but were unsuccessful..  The area had experienced significant snowfall during the storm and some drifts were well over four feet in height.  The agents transported the hunters back to a safe location in Malta after many hours of slow travel.

The Border Patrol released the following statement:  " Agents are trained to perform their duties in strenuous weather conditions and are equipped with the resources to accomplish the mission.  This situation could have ended tragically had it not been for the solid partnership between our agents and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office. "

we are grateful they are safe.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to Border Patrol by calling 800-BE-ALERT or (800) 232-5378. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

 

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