Hikers Went Missing In Freezing Temps

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Two hikers were lost in Sear Bellows County Park Monday, police said.

According to Southampton Town Police, a call came in about two hikers who had lost their way in the park; Southampton Town Police patrol units and community response units were met by Suffolk County park rangers at the main entrance to the park.

The team of officers, realizing that the county park's size and the freezing temperatures would be a factor in the welfare of the hikers, contacted Southampton Town Police's unmanned aircraft unit to respond with drones to aid in the search, police said.

Southampton Town's communications division contacted the lost hikers via cell phone and were able to obtain a description of the area where they were located, police said. A Southampton Town Police officer familiar with the park was able to pinpoint and locate the hikers, William Zwart, 69, and David Berchenbriter, 65, both of Shinnecock Hills, police said.

Authorities responded with a a gator to transport the hikers back to their vehicles. police said.

Both hikers were cold but unharmed, police said.