The Coast Guard located and hoisted a hiker on June 14, who had been missing for nearly five days while hiking in Southern Oregon.
An MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Sector North Bend located and hoisted the 40-year-old male hiker at about 8:30 a.m., and safely transported him to Grants Pass to be checked out by awaiting emergency medical services.
Assistance from the Coast Guard was requested by Oregon State and Josephine County search-and-rescue teams at 6:33 a.m. The Dolphin aircrew launched from North Bend shortly afterward and flew to Grants Pass to pick up a search-and-rescue officer from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. After the aircrew took off from Grants Pass, the missing hiker was spotted within 30 minutes. A radio was then lowered down to the man to confirm him as the missing hiker. He was in good condition upon being hoisted into the aircraft.
The hiker was reportedly last seen and heard from, Friday, June 9, prior to a planned 45-mile hike in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The subject’s car was located approximately 23 miles southwest of Grants Pass. During the hike he reportedly came across a swollen river, and he could not safely cross it. He didn’t have supplies to make the return trip to his car, so he stayed put until he could be found.
“The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank partners like the U.S. Coast Guard for their dedication to the preservation of life,” said Dave Daniel, sheriff, Josephine County. “Working together we were able to dramatically reduce search effort times that could have resulted in a loss of life.”
Air temperatures in the area were mid-70s during the day and low 50s at night.
