Another hiker rescued from Mt. Baldy, search for missing actor enters 3rd week

As the search for missing hiker and actor Julian Sands continued on Mt. Baldy, a sheriff’s aviation team in that area rescued an injured hiker from San Diego County.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials reported that 71-year-old Abdollah Katbab of Del Mar was rescued on Saturday near Ice House Canyon on Mt. Baldy.

Katbab was making his way between Timber Mountain and Ice House Saddle on a trail that was slippery from the icy conditions, the sheriff’s report said.

At some point on the trail, Katbab slipped and fell approximately 50 feet before stopping. At that location, the terrain was steep and icy, but he could get back to the trail safely.

Katbab activated his “Garmin inReach” device to communicate that he had received minor arm injuries.

The California Office of Emergency Services notified the Sheriff's Department Volunteer Forces unit and requested a search and rescue.

Sheriff's dispatch and Sheriff's Helicopter 40-KING-4 were notified of the incident. The aviation crew arrived in the area and began their search.

Sheriff's Helicopter Air Rescue 306 and crew at their hangar conducting training with technical ice rescue members headed to the location for a potential hoist rescue.

As Air Rescue 306 arrived in the area, the crew of 40-KING-4 located Katbab at the 8,000-foot level and confirmed that a hoist rescue would be needed.

The crew of 40-KING-4 related to Air Rescue 306 that Katbab was still sliding from time to time but appeared to be able to stop.

Air Rescue 306 hovered above Katbab and lowered Technical Rescuer Lucy Durfee down to the hiker, where she could get a stable footing with her crampons and other technical gear.

Durfee made her way to Katbab and placed him into a rescue harness. He was hoisted into the helicopter, followed by Durfee.

Katbab was flown to San Antonio Dam, where paramedics took over medical treatment.

Rescue 306 crew comprised Pilot Corporal Ryan Peppler, Crew Chief Deputy Greg Hanrahan, and Technical Rescuer Ean Sanchez.

The 40-KING-4 crew included Pilot Deputy Doug Brimmer and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Jon Holt.

Rescued hiker

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue members on Jan. 24 located missing hiker Jin Chung, 75, of Los Angeles, who was reported missing on Jan. 22.

Chung was found with some weather-related injuries and a leg injury during his nearly 2-day ordeal.

He walked out of the area with the assistance of crew members and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

His condition is unknown and more information is not available, sheriff’s officials said.

Sands

On Jan. 24, sheriff’s officials said no evidence of the 65-year-old Sands’ current location had been discovered, and the search for Sands will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Sands, who lives in North Hollywood, was first reported missing by his wife, writer Eugenia Citkowitz after he embarked on a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Sheriff’s officials on Jan. 20 reported that cell phone pings from Jan. 14 and 15 were delayed and showed Sands’ movement on Jan. 13.

Evidence of avalanches was spotted on the west side of the slopes earlier in the week, delaying ground search and rescue efforts.

Detectives worked with California Office of Emergency Services officials with another cell phone forensic technology to pinpoint an exact location. No workable leads have been developed, authorities said.

Dangerous rescue missions

Sheriff’s officials on Jan. 24 continued to warn hikers to avoid hazardous mountainous areas, such as Mt. Baldy, especially during this season when trails are icy and avalanches are a potential threat.

Many hikers, experienced or novice, underestimate the steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and high winds that present themselves in our mountain areas, sheriff’s officials said.

These circumstances and conditions put the hiker, SAR volunteers, and sheriff’s personnel at risk during these dangerous search and rescue missions.

Baldy mortality rate, rescue costs 

Exposure to the elements and falls contributes to Mt. Baldy’s growing mortality rate. Additionally, the risk of avalanches prolongs rescue efforts, sheriff's officials said.

From 2017-2022, SAR teams conducted 233 missions, searched for 27,277 hours, and came across eight fatalities on the mountain.

The SAR missions equated to an estimated $775,578, as determined by the Office of Emergency Services.

During the same time, sworn personnel and aviation support totaled 2,548 hours in service and $1.4 million in cost for Mt. Baldy rescue missions.

Although sworn personnel and civilian SAR volunteers search tirelessly, the area of Mt. Baldy lies within the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service.

Closing mountain trails

Last week, Sheriff Shannon Dicus said he supports the closure of trails as necessary due to extreme weather conditions.

The sheriff’s current focus is on working with legislators to secure additional funding for the USFS, to implement a permit process for hikers visiting local mountains and rangers on the trails.

Additionally, to enforce permits, educate hikers, and ensure they have proper equipment and training.

With public safety a priority, Sheriff Dicus will continue working with department counterparts at USFS and Federal Legislators to find solutions for managing the vast wilderness.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hiker rescued from Mt. Baldy, search for missing actor enters 3rd week