Helicopter pilot, 2 passengers rescued from Alaska volcano

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- A rescue team retrieved a helicopter pilot and two passengers stranded on the slopes of the Mount Mageik volcano, the Alaska State Troopers said.

AST spokeswoman Megan Peters said the rescue in the Katmai National Park and Preserve was completed about 5 p.m. local time Friday, KTUU-TV, Anchorage, reported. The three were flown to King Salmon, Peters said Saturday.

The state police said the pilot, Egli Air Haul President Sam Egli, and passengers Taryn Lopez and John Paskieitch had been stuck at the volcano's 8,500-foot level since about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday because of bad weather, the TV station said.