Helicopter crew rescues 3 climbers from Mt. Pershing

MASON COUNTY -- Search and rescue crews rescued three stranded climbers Sunday at Mt. Pershing.

Family members told authorities the three men, all in their 60s, were supposed to return Friday. They said all three men had cell phones but had not been heard from since leaving for the climb.

Deputies said the three men were exhausted but appeared to be unharmed.

Officials called in a helicopter from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station to airlift the climbers to safety. They said even an airlift was difficult because of the steep terrain.