The Malibu Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team located three lost hikers Friday morning after a 7-hour overnight operation near Malibu Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Headquarters Newsroom.
Five friends were hiking in the Rindge Dam area 600 feet below Malibu Canyon Road before becoming separated. Two members of the hiking group were able to make their way out of the canyon by using unmaintained trails. They then called 9-1-1 to report their missing friends, said the Sheriff’s Department press release.
The rescue team included L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Malibu Search and Rescue Team members, L.A. County Fire Department personnel, and a helicopter.
The rescued party included a 19-year-old woman and two men, 26 and 22. They are all said to be from the Hollywood area.
After evaluating the trio, L.A. County Fire Department rescue paramedics determined only the 19-year-old woman was hurt. She suffered knee and ankle injuries and told officials she would seek her own medical treatment.
David Katz, Malibu Search and Rescue Team Reserve Sergeant, said “Members of this hiking party were able to seek help, were safely rescued, and only one of the five hikers suffered an injury. However, others have not been so fortunate. Sadly, during the last six months, Malibu Search and Rescue Team members have responded to the dam on two other occasions, each time retrieving the body of a hiker who had suffered fatal injuries.”
The link below shows a portion of the rescue operation.
Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department