Search For Marin Hiker Akin To 'Finding Needle In Haystack'

MARIN COUNNTY, CA – The California Highway Patrol last week deployed an aircraft, equipped with a specialized camera, to aid several local agencies in the difficult search for a hiker, 67, reported missing in Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County, according to authorities.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office on Friday conducted the search-and-rescue operation with assistance from crews of California State Parks, Marin County Fire Department and Marin County Search and Rescue for the missing male, whose cell phone apparently died, the CHP's Golden Gate Division Air Operations said.

The agency's Air-31 plane was requested to assist searchers, and, courtesy of the plane's thermal-imaging camera's sensor, the man was spotted several hundred feet off a trail.

The search, however, was not easy, as the agency described.

"The camera video is short, but illustrates how difficult it was for searchers to locate the hiker," the CHP said."The 'hot spot' on the camera was literally like finding a needle in a haystack."

CHP Air-31 crews directed searchers to the hiker's location, where they set up an extended technical-rope system and hauled him to safety, officials said.

"This is another great example of state and local assets working together to assist those in need," the CHP added.

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