Black Star Canyon Late Night Search and Rescue Finds Young Woman on Cliff's Edge

Black Star Canyon, CA--A missing 19-year-old hiker was rescued in the early morning hours today from a cliff’s edge in Black Star Canyon in the Orange County wilderness area.

Air resources from both Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Anaheim Police Department worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to locate the woman and bring her to safety.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Search and Rescue Deputies searched for the missing female on foot, according to OCSD’s Lt. March Stichter.

“She was located at the edge of a cliff at 2:15 a.m.,” Stichter said. “Angel One, the Anaheim Helicopter illuminated the deputies’ path, lighting the way while they walked the woman down to another area where the Orange County Fire Authority helicopter could airlift her out.”

“This is an excellent example of how fire and law enforcement resources work together to perform search and rescue operations in tough conditions,” said OCFA Division Chief Dave Steffen, who leads OCFA’s Air Operations Division. “Aerial firefighting and rescue missions at night under Night Vision Goggles (NVG) are some of the most challenging missions for our flight crews.”

The victim was airlifted OCFA rescue paramedics using a hoist cable that was attached to the rescuer and the victim. This type of rescue is referred to as a “pick off” maneuver,” stated Captain Larry Kurtz of the OCFA.

The patient was transported by air to a temporary location to be evaluated by waiting OCFA medics.

“The woman had minor cuts and scrapes, and was released by the medics,” Stichter said. Sheriff’s deputies then transported her safely home.

Photo--Justin Johnson, Wiki Commons