Search and Rescue

On the evening of Monday, July 13, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the Mono County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an overdue day hiker near the Sherwin Creek campground.

A male hiker, 44, from Orange, California, set out on a day hike around 2:30 p.m. When he didn’t return at the appointed time, his family became concerned. The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was dispatched to help search near the Sherwin Creek campground.

Turns out the hiker had walked to a familiar place but got confused on his return. Realizing he was lost, he tried to hail down some motorists and knocked on an RV’s door but no one would help.

Eventually he walked towards a light which put him at the closed-up YWCA Camp. The caretaker of the camp had previously spoken with one of the SAR teams, so when she found the overdue hiker, she gave him food and water, as he was very dehydrated and shivering, She then called 911.

The SAR team safely returned the hiker to his family.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team uses this successful rescue as a reminder to always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, even if it is just for a small day hike or walk.

 Written and reported by: PIO Jennifer M. Hansen