Sonora, CA…TCSAR completed a multi-agency rescue of 14 backpackers from the Emigrant Wilderness on Thursday 07/01/21. Late Wednesday, 06/30/21, OES alerted the Sheriff’s Office of a 911 PLB activation in the Emigrant with several backers packers ranging in age from 15-22 years of age. They had been caught in a locally severe thunderstorm that included heavy rain and hail with lightning. The group had several teens that were suffering from hypothermia and needed immediate evacuation.

At the same time, Cal Fire was working on a fire near Groveland and released their Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK C404 and crew who were able to fly direct to the coordinates provided by TCSAR. C404 lowered their rescuer to the group of hikers and determined four needed evacuation.

The four patients were hoisted to C404 and flown to Dodge Ridge where TCSAR and Tuolumne County ambulance personnel were able to treat and transport the hikers. C404 then loaded 2 TCSAR rescuers aboard and flew them back to the remaining backpackers where they spent the night and evacuated the group to the Gianelli Trailhead the next morning.

In addition, Aspen Meadows Pack Station helped support the evacuation by providing mules that were able to transport the cached gear from the campsite 13 miles from the trailhead.

We want to thank Cal-Fire and the crew of C404, TC ambulance and Aspen Meadows Pack Station for their help in the rescue of this group.

We also want to remind everyone that the Sierra Nevada Mountains are notorious for rapid and severe weather changes. Please be prepared for anything and everything when heading into the back county. Have a plan, share your plan and make sure you have a means to contact help, if needed.
@CALFIRETCU