Missing 78-year-old hiker found days after getting lost in California mountains
A 78-year-old who got separated from his hiking group and lost his way was found after spending two nights in the California wilderness, according to officials.
Balaji Keshava called 911 at around 3 p.m. on Aug. 5 saying he had gotten lost near Grouse Mountain in Los Padres National Forest, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Using information from Keshava’s 911 call, dispatchers determined his approximate location, deputies said.
Members from the sheriff’s office search and rescue teams searched the area that evening and “continued non-stop during the night,” deputies said.
The following day, deputies said rescuers hiked “several miles in unforgiving terrain at altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet.”
Keshava, however, still was not found, according to deputies.
The search continued on Aug. 7 with help from two helicopters, deputies said.
“Other than being tired and thirsty, he was located in great shape,” Ventura County East Valley Search and Rescue Team said in an Aug. 8 Facebook post. “He was up and walking around when he was found.”
Keshava was airlifted from the area and taken to a hospital, deputies said.
“It’s the most wonderful feeling to find someone who is missing, safe. To bring them home to their loved ones,” Upper Ojai Search and Rescue said in an Aug. 8 Facebook post.
Los Padres National Forest is about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
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