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February 21, 2010 (Dulzura) The San Diego Sheriff Department’s Search and Rescue Unit was activated this morning to search for six hikers who failed to return home last night. The group has been located and airlifted out after rushing waters left them trapped, East County Magazine has been informed by a spokesperson with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
"The water was up to here," Sergeant Don Parker, head of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue operations, told East County magazine, gesturing to indicate waist-deep water. Rainfall filled a gully that hikers had crossed on their way in, making it impassible. The group spent the night in chilly temperatures. By the time rescuers located them, some hikers' core body temperatures had fallen perilously low, Parker said.
The group of experienced hikers, including four women and two men, met Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Pine Creek Trailhead for a recreational hike. The hikers range in age from their early forties to their late fifties and have no known medical conditions. Each hiker had food and water with clothing appropriate for a day long hike.
When the hikers did not return at 6:00 PM, family members contacted authorities. In addition to the Search and Rescue Unit, Sheriff’s deputies, and ASTREA helicopter, assistance was also rendered by SDPD, with their helicopter and personnel from the US Border Patrol.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article contained incorrect information provided in a Sheriff's press release, which mistakenly stated that the group hiked out on their own, without an airlift. The error was due to a communications misunderstanding, Parker said.
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