ALTON — A 12-year-old boy and his uncle were rescued Friday after a falling down a 30-foot rock face on Mount Major, according to Fish and Game Conservation Officer Ronald Arsenault.

Andrew Sosidka of Brick, N.J., was hiking on the mountain about 4 p.m. Friday when he slipped and tumbled down the rock face, likely breaking an ankle, Arsenault said. His uncle, Dave Sosidka, 46, of Clinton, N.J., tried to climb down to the boy, but also fell, likely suffering broken ribs, Arsenault said.

The pair were carried off the mountain after a nearly four-hour search involving about 30 rescuers from area fire departments, Arsenault said.

He said the boy and his uncle were wearing sneakers, rather than hiking boots.

“We would like to stress the importance of wearing proper gear when on a hike,” Arsenault said.