Navy Helicopter Hoists Three Lost Hikers To Safety In California Wilderness

This is the moment three lost hikers were lifted to safety by a Navy helicopter during an overnight rescue operation in California’s rugged wilderness.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was called around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, after a satellite 911 call was made requesting assistance from Limekiln State Park. Three hikers had become lost and disoriented, and one was experiencing a medical emergency.

Seven MCSO SAR members hiked about 2.5 miles into the park at around 2,000 feet elevation while clearing overgrown trails with machetes and chainsaws. The team reached the area after about one hour and 30 minutes.

At the same time, crews requested help from “Lasso 3,” an MH-60S Seahawk search and rescue helicopter operating from Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Around 12:30 a.m., the hikers were located by MCSO SAR personnel. The helicopter crew then hoisted all three hikers to a safe location, where they were handed over to Big Sur Fire and ambulance personnel.

MCSO SAR members returned on foot and completed the mission around 4:00 a.m. on September 28.

Officials reminded people exploring remote areas to prepare before heading out, stay on established trails, carry reliable navigation equipment and tell family or friends about their plans before hiking.