Hikers rescued after using Google Gemini for planning | TechCrunch

A search and rescue operation was successfully conducted on California's Mount Shasta after three hikers became stranded, having relied on Google's Gemini chatbot to plan their mountain excursion. The group of three young men initiated their climb in the early hours of the morning but neglected standard mountaineering protocols, which advise turning back if the summit is not reached by midday. Consequently, they did not reach the peak until late in the evening, forcing them to attempt a hazardous descent in complete darkness. After losing their way, they contacted local authorities for assistance and were forced to spend the night in a canyon before being rescued the following morning by Forest Service rangers and volunteers. Following the rescue, the Siskiyou County sheriff's office revealed that the artificial intelligence application had advised the group to carry far fewer provisions, including food and water, than were actually required for such a challenging trek. This lack of supplies became a critical hazard when their expected eight-hour hike turned into an overnight survival situation. Emergency officials used the incident to remind the public that digital assistants are not a substitute for professional wilderness guidance, urging future hikers to consult local ranger stations for accurate safety information rather than relying on automated software.