Mount Shasta rescue: Climbers stranded after using Gemini AI to plan trip - NZ Herald

Three climbers had to be rescued from Mount Shasta after relying on AI advice. Photo / Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Three young men had to be rescued from a California mountain after using artificial intelligence to plan their trip. The three novice climbers became stranded during an attempt to summit Mount Shasta in northern California after what they expected to be an eight-hour climb turned into a multi-day ordeal. The climbers later told rangers “we relied too much on AI rather than our own critical thinking”, SFGate reported. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said the group made camp at about 8400ft on August 29, before leaving with daypacks for the summit at 3am the following morning. “The men summited at 7pm that evening, well after the recommended turnaround time of 12pm, and descended in the dark,” the sheriff’s office said. “An hour into their descent, the party called the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch to ask for directions, but eventually wandered off-route into the Mud Creek Canyon.” One member of the group later fell and injured his knee, leaving the climbers stranded in the canyon overnight. The hikers used Google's Gemini AI to plan their trip, which authorities called a "critical misstep". Photo / Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office They were forced to camp in the steep drainage until US Forest Service climbing rangers reached them on Monday morning. “Medical aid was provided, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Volunteers were deployed to assist,” the sheriff’s office said. “Fortunately, all three hikers and rescue teams returned to the trailhead without incident.” Authorities said the men told a sheriff’s deputy they had relied heavily on Google’s Gemini AI for information about the route and what to pack. “This was a critical misstep, as they were advised by Gemini to bring far less food and water than their group required, especially when their planned eight-hour ascent became a multi-day ordeal. “Serious accidents and fatalities occur on the Clear Creek route when individuals become lost and wander into more dangerous terrain, such as the Mud Creek drainage.” Mount Shasta is a 4322m stratovolcano and the second-highest peak in North America’s Cascade Range. Save Share Latest from World World Argentina threatens to sanction oil projects around Falklands 05 Sep 11:12 PM World US strikes three Iranian oil tankers after missiles fired at warships 05 Sep 09:02 PM World Married at First Sight UK star announces tragic death of newborn twins 05 Sep 08:56 PM Sponsored LEGO and Star Wars a perfect pair at interactive exhibit for the whole family 31 Aug 10:50 PM