In a dramatic overnight rescue, three hikers were saved from the challenging Big Sur wilderness after getting lost, with one of them facing a medical emergency.
The operation took place late Sunday in Limekiln State Park. Rescuers had to cut through thick overgrowth to reach the stranded hikers before a Navy helicopter could lift them to safety, as reported by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
The trouble began around 7:30 p.m. when Big Sur Fire received a satellite 911 call for help from the hikers, who were lost in a remote area.
One member of the group was dealing with a medical issue, which made the rescue even more urgent.
Big Sur Fire and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team swiftly worked together to address the situation.
Seven members from the sheriff’s rescue team trekked about 2.5 miles into Limekiln State Park, navigating an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet.
The rescuers spent around 90 minutes finding their way through trails that were so overgrown that they had to use machetes and chainsaws to clear a path.
As darkness descended, the officials decided to call in extra help.
A helicopter known as “Lasso 3,” part of the MH-60S Seahawk search-and-rescue fleet from Naval Air Station Lemoore, was brought in to assist.
It was around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, about five hours after the initial distress call, when the rescuers finally located all three hikers.
The Navy crew then swooped in, lifting the hikers from the wilderness and bringing them to a secure location where emergency personnel were waiting.
This intense rescue comes on the heels of a challenging summer for the Big Sur area, which has experienced significant wildfires that have devastated thousands of acres of its rugged landscape.
In August, the Timber Fire had around 1,000 firefighters working to control its spread as flames threatened numerous structures near Partington Ridge Road.
Then, there was the Plaskett Fire, which quickly grew to nearly 30,000 acres, surpassing the Timber Fire’s 25,349 acres.
Officials noted that the region hadn’t seen a major wildfire in over 50 years, allowing dense vegetation to thrive across the already rugged terrain.
The successful rescue prompted officials to remind people about the risks in Big Sur’s backcountry.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office urged hikers to be aware of their physical limits, prepare properly before heading out, and stay on established trails.
