BIG SUR — Three hikers were rescued early Monday morning after becoming lost and disoriented in Limekiln State Park, with one experiencing a medical emergency.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was requested by Big Sur Fire at about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 after a satellite 911 call was made requesting assistance. Big Sur Fire and MCSO Search and Rescue entered into a unified command for the operation.
Seven members of the MCSO Search and Rescue team began an approximately 2.5-mile hike into Limekiln State Park at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. The hike took about 1-1/2 hours, with team members clearing trails that were overgrown with vegetation using machetes and chainsaws.
At the same time, assistance was requested from “Lasso 3,” an MH-60S Seahawk hoist-capable search and rescue helicopter operating out of Naval Air Station Lemoore.
At about 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, MCSO Search and Rescue located the three hikers. The Lasso 3 crew hoisted the hikers to a safe location, where they were turned over to Big Sur Fire and ambulance personnel.
MCSO Search and Rescue personnel hiked back on foot and completed the mission at about 4 a.m. on Monday.
The Sheriff’s Office reminded those exploring the backcountry to know their limitations and prepare before heading out. Hikers should use established trails, carry a GPS-enabled device or other reliable means of navigation, hike with others whenever possible and let a family member or friend know where they are going and when they expect to return.
“The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office thanks our Search and Rescue Team, Big Sur Fire, Naval Air Station Lemoore and the crew of Lasso 3 for their teamwork and dedication during this successful rescue operation,” stated the Sheriff’s Office.
