Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Santa Paula Canyon, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: June 21, 2009 / 1:00 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department – Aviation / SAR Unit

On 6-21-09, at approximately 1300 hours, (V) Eric Murillo called the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He told the dispatchers that he and his friend, (V) Brandon Finchen, had been hiking up Santa Paula Canyon in an attempt to reach the “Punch Bowls.” At some point during their hike, they made a wrong turn and were now lost and stranded on a steep hillside. They could not find their way back down and could not continue their hike up due to the thick brush.

The dispatcher called the Aviation Unit and relayed the information to the aircrew. The aircrew called Murillo directly and got additional information about the general area where they were. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department’s rescue helicopter, Air Squad 9, responded to the location. As the helicopter flew into Santa Paula Canyon, they called Murillo from the satellite phone. Within minutes, Air Squad 9 was able to locate Murillo and Finchen at the top of a steep ravine.

Due to their location, Air Squad 9 hoisted down its flight paramedic to the lost hikers. Each hiker was fitted into a hoistable harness and hoisted from the location one at a time. Once everyone was on board the helicopter, they were flown to the trailhead where their vehicle was parked.

The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind everyone to be extra carefully this summer while hiking in our local mountains. The public is encouraged to tell a friend or family member of their intended hiking plans and discuss what to do if the hikers do not return at the agreed upon time. In addition, make sure you take a map and plenty of food and water on the hike.