• Pacific House Search - 2009
A young male subject embarked on a long, solo, first-time backpacking trip from Modesto to Lake Tahoe. During his hike along US Hwy. 50, the subject stated that CHP told him not to hike along the highway. On Saturday, June 13, 2009, he called 911 and was in touch with Deputy Olmos from Tahoe SAR and another SAR member.
Reason for the call: He was in the canyon and lost. A medical helicopter provided a flyover survey and EDSAR Swiftwater Team was dispatched to check a stretch of the South Fork of the American River downstream from Pacific House.
On Sunday, a wider callout was made: SAR ground, K9, OHV and Swiftwater teams searched the trails, the canyon and the waterways, down towards and downstream from Fresh Pond. Cal Star provided a morning fly-over. Later in the day a National Guard Huey from Stockton arrived for more flyover surveys.
No sign, tracks or clues of the subject were found. Some team members did encounter poison oak exposure deep in the canyon. In addition a cougar was sighted.
On the following morning, SAR coordinators arranged for CHP H-20 to fly the river again. The subject was spotted approximately 1000 yards downstream from points that several teams reached the day before. The subject was hoisted out and delivered to EDSO for debrief and reuniting with family.
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