Federal agents and local officials successfully rescued two stranded hikers in remote parts of the Arizona desert over the weekend, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The hikers had sustained injuries during their ordeal.
In the first incident, Border Patrol agents from Tucson used a helicopter to locate and extract a hiker from a rugged area near the Superstition Mountains where landing was not possible. The hiker, who may have had a broken ankle and was unable to walk, was lifted to safety by a member of the search and rescue crew who descended using the helicopter’s hoist. The injured hiker was then flown for evaluation and medical attention.
Situated approximately 50 miles east of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains are characterized by an isolated desert landscape. While the area has a network of trails, the U.S. Forest Service cautions that trail conditions can range from fair to very poor, with the terrain posing challenges for ill-prepared individuals.
The second incident, occurring on Sunday, involved another injured hiker who had been missing for two days in a southern section of the Arizona Trail near Sonoita, close to the Mexican border. Despite challenges posed by rugged terrain and dense foliage, Border Patrol agents located the hiker via helicopter and successfully reached him during a ground search. The hiker was then transported to the Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department for medical care.
The Arizona Trail spans approximately 800 miles across the state, traversing diverse landscapes and presenting varying levels of difficulty. Border Patrol’s Tucson sector chief, Sean McGoffin, commended the crews involved in the rescues, highlighting their quick response and dedication to public safety.
These incidents followed a series of search and rescue operations on Arizona trails the previous week, including a tragic fatality due to extreme heat at Lake Mead. Park service officials emphasized the challenges posed by emergency situations and the strain on resources, underscoring the importance of preparedness and caution when exploring the wilderness.
It may result in expenses for you.
