TWO HIKERS RESCUED ON EL CAJON MOUNTAIN

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December 15, 2012 (Lakeside) – The San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team performed a hoist rescue last night to save two hikers off El Cajon (El Capitan) Mountain in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley area.

“The hikers reported that they were lost, cold, wet and unprepared for the cold weather,” Sgt. Mike Forbes with the Santee Sheriff Patrol Station reports.

The hikers, a 46-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, called for help at 5:39 p.m. . A Sheriff's helicopter responded to the scene and was able to determine that the hikers were on the El Monte side of the mountain but were not able to establish visual contact with the hikers due to the weather.

Sheriff's Search and Rescue responded to search for the hikers. When the weather improved a Sheriff's helicopter was able to establish visual contact with the hikers who were in a ravine in an area with limited access.

Copter 2 performed a hoist rescue and lifted both hikers to safety.

“The female was shivering uncontrollably and was transported to Grossmont Hospital,” Sgt. Forbes said, adding that the male was given a ride to his vehicle.


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