A 19-year-old hiker was rescued during heavy storm conditions in Northern California after his GPS tracking device sent an SOS alert.
At about 2:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 3, Humboldt County deputies said they received a notification from the California Office of Emergency Services about a Garmin SOS activation from a male hiker. The last known location placed him in the Bald Hills area near the Redwood Creek Trail.
The department explained that when a Garmin SOS is activated, “the device transmits an emergency alert and GPS location via satellite to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), which coordinates with local and state emergency agencies to initiate a response.”
Officials added that the device played a key role in the outcome: “The hiker’s possession and activation of this device was a critical component in aiding in his rescue.”
After receiving the alert, a team was deployed along with K-9 units, and crews began searching the area with support from a drone. Roughly seven hours later, at 9:38 a.m., the hiker was located, authorities said.
When he was found, the hiker showed signs of hypothermia. He was then brought to safety and transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital for treatment. No further details about his condition were immediately available.
Officials also expressed “sincere gratitude” to everyone involved in the search, with special recognition for the volunteer search and rescue team.
“Their quick response, coordination, professionalism and dedication were instrumental in the successful outcome of this rescue,” they wrote.
