Dover hiker OK after spectacular high-water rescue in White Mountains

Joshua Kurtz is pulled to safety over a raging brook during a high-water rescue on Friday night. (Fish and Game photo)

LINCOLN - A Dover man was rescued in spectacular fashion Friday after he became stranded in the White Mountains while hiking in torrential rains and had to be lifted to safety over a rain-swollen creek.

Joshua Kuntz, 36, of Dover, was pulled to safety by a specialized team of rescuers who used highline ropes to lift him over the raging brook, the Union Leader reported today.

Kuntz had been coming down the Basin Cascade Trail when he realized the brook was too high to cross and called a relative who summoned help from Fish and Game, who called upon the White Mountain Swift Water Rescue Team and Mountain Rescue Services to assist in the rescue.

Kunzt was soaking wet, so the team and conservation officers decided they couldn't wait for the waters to recede.

The rescue teams used specialized kayaks to cross the raging brook and set up highline ropes, officials told the UL.

Kuntz hiked on his own down to a trail parking area, reaching it around 1:30 a.m. today.

Fish and Game officials said going for a hike in these conditions in the White Mountains is not advisable.