Missing Hikers
updated: Jun 22, 2012, 1:27 PM

Source: Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department

On 6-21-2012, at approximately 2000 hours, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team was activated after the Sheriff's Office received a report of four (4) missing hikers; 2 (12 year old males), a 15 year old male and a 20 year old male. The group had embarked on what was thought to be a 2 hour hike in the Gobernador Canyon area of Carpinteria. After the group did not return at the expected time, a parent of one of the missing boys notified the Sheriff's Office and the Search and Rescue Team was activated.

During their search, a SAR team member was able to make a brief cell phone connection with the adult member of the group and was able to determine the group was in Gobernador Canyon Creek. A Ventura County Sheriff's Aviation helicopter was unable to locate the missing group from the air and a ground search was initiated.

The missing group was located in the creek bed by SAR at approximately 0400 hours this morning. Due to the hazardous terrain, it was decided to shelter in place until daylight and walk the group out during daylight hours. At approximately 0800 hours, the group was guided down the creek and reunited with their families.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team is an all volunteer team. If you are interested in more information on how to become a member, please contact the Sheriff's Office at (805)681-4100.

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