New Hampshire, August 24, 2026: Four Indian-origin teenagers from New Jersey could be billed for the cost of an overnight mountain rescue after authorities said they embarked on a strenuous New Hampshire hike without adequate food, water, lighting or clothing for the conditions.
The four 18-year-olds — Jainam Bhavsar, Purva Jayani, Tirth Shah and Advik Yadav — were rescued from Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire’s White Mountains after calling for help on the night of August 14, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Authorities said the group began what is typically a seven-to-nine-hour hike at about 3:30 p.m. One member of the group later began experiencing difficulty breathing and sore legs as the hikers made their way along the ridge.
New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified at approximately 8:48 p.m. that the hikers were stuck on Franconia Ridge. When officials contacted them, they learned that the group had no lights, was running low on food and water and was not properly dressed for the conditions.
With strong winds and cold temperatures above 5,000 feet, officials launched a rescue operation. Five volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, along with a conservation officer, responded.
The volunteers left the trailhead at 10:35 p.m. and hiked more than 4.2 miles to Franconia Ridge and Mount Lincoln. They located the four teenagers at about 1:15 a.m. Saturday.
Rescuers provided the group with lights, food, water and warm clothing before guiding them to the summit of Mount Lafayette and down the Old Bridal Path. The hikers and rescuers finally reached the trailhead at 9:07 a.m., more than 17 hours after the teenagers had begun their hike.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said it intends to bill the hikers for the rescue because of what it described as their “lack of preparation.” The agency did not specify how much they would be required to pay. Reports have suggested the cost could exceed $1,000.
The teenagers later acknowledged that they had underestimated the hike.
“You should start really early so it’s not dark when you go down,” Shah told NBC New York. “And you shouldn’t be overconfident.”
Yadav told the station that three members of the group had trained for the hike, while the friend who developed physical difficulties had not prepared to the same extent. As darkness fell and temperatures dropped, the group decided to call 911.
“I’m really grateful for the rescuers who saved us,” Yadav said.
The incident has also drawn attention to New Hampshire’s policy of recovering search-and-rescue costs in some cases involving unprepared hikers. The state offers a Hike Safe Card, which helps fund search-and-rescue operations. Cardholders generally are not required to reimburse rescue costs unless their actions are determined to be reckless or grossly negligent.
Fish and Game used the incident to remind hikers that daylight hours are becoming shorter and temperatures colder as summer winds down, urging people heading into the mountains to carry essential equipment and prepare for changing conditions.
Screenshots courtesy of NBC NY.
