2 California hikers rescued after being stranded on snowy mountain for 3 days

Two hikers who were stranded for three days after falling down a snowy cliff were rescued on Monday near Idyllwild, California, the Riverside Sheriff Aviation Unit said in a statement Tuesday.

The climbers -- one man and one woman -- were traveling along the Tahquitz Mountain trail on March 1 when they suddenly plummeted approximately 800 feet down a snowy cliff, located about 8,900 feet above Idyllwild, California, according to officials.

The hikers called 911, stating they were "injured badly and needed help," officials said. A helicopter was sent to rescue the two individuals, but due to 45 mph winds, rescuers failed in their attempt.

Helicopters from Cal Fire and the Orange County Fire Authority also attempted to hoist the victims out, but "all were unsuccessful due to low clouds and high winds."

Authorities said volunteers from Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit were able to locate the male and female hikers on the ground that first night.

Then, on the second day, "several attempts" were again made, but helicopters were "unsuccessful due to mountain obscuration and high turbulence surface winds." The hikers had to endure temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit that night, accompanied by persistent snow, officials said.

Finally, on the third day, the "weather and wind calmed just enough" and the hikers were successfully hoisted out via helicopter, officials said. The man, "who was the most severely injured," was rescued first and flown to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment, followed by the woman, officials said.

Body camera video capturing the rescue shows the snowy conditions officials had to deal with while saving the two stranded individuals.

"Many thanks to all those ground crews that were involved as well as all the helicopter crews who were involved in the rescue," the aviation unit said in a statement.

Along with the helicopters, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said on social media that over 20 mountain team rescuers hiked to save these injured victims, who "most definitely would have died from exposure to the elements."

"This was a very long and coordinated effort with amazing partners and volunteers. Outstanding job by all," Bianco said on social media.