Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Mission in Limekiln State Park, Big Sur, California

DATE/TIME: 9/28/26 at 1:00 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: MCSO Search and Rescue, Big Sur Fire and "Lasso 3" from Naval Air Station Lemoore conduct overnight rescue operation in Big Sur

LOCATION: Limekiln State Park, Big Sur, Monterey County, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander, 831-261-5492, [email protected]

On Sunday September 27th, 2026, at about 7:30 PM, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office SAR team was requested by Big Sur Fire after a satellite 911 call was made requesting assistance. Three hikers had become lost and disoriented, and one was experiencing a medical emergency. Big Sur Fire and MCSO SAR entered into unified command for this operation.

Seven members of the MCSO SAR team began an approximate 2.5 mile at about 2000 feet of elevation into Limekiln State Park. The hike took about 1 hour and 30 minutes inbound on trails that needed to be cleared with machetes and chainsaws due to overgrowth. Simultaneously, assistance was requested from "Lasso 3," an MH-60S Seahawk hoist capable search and rescue helicopter operating out of Lemoore Naval Air Station. At about 12:30 AM, the three hikers were located by MCSO SAR. Lasso 3 was able to hoist the three hikers to a safe location where they were turned over to Big Sur Fire and Ambulance personnel.

MCSO SAR personnel hiked back on foot and completed this mission at about 4:00 AM on 9/28/26.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office reminds those exploring our backcountry to know their limitations and prepare before heading out. Hikers should use established trails, carry a GPS-enabled device or other reliable means of navigation, hike with others whenever possible, and always let a family member or friend know where they are going and when they expect to return.

ABOUT MCSO SEARCH AND RESCUE

Search and Rescue has a long history in Monterey County, dating back to 1939 when volunteer groups first began assisting the Sheriff's Office with search and rescue incidents. Today, the MCSO Search and Rescue Team consists of Sheriff's deputies and civilian volunteers who train and work alongside one another to locate and rescue injured, lost or missing people throughout Monterey County and during mutual aid missions across California.

The team is trained and equipped to operate in environments ranging from urban areas to some of the most challenging wilderness and coastal terrain in Monterey County. Team capabilities include high-angle rescue, swift-water rescue, mountain bike operations, drone operations and other specialized search and rescue functions. MCSO SAR is also a full member of the Mountain Rescue Association as a Type 1 rescue unit and maintains certification in High Angle Rescue, Winter Alpine Operations and Search Management.

Many of the people who respond when someone is lost, injured or in need of rescue are volunteers who give their time to train and respond alongside our deputies. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is grateful for their dedication and volunteer service to our community.

We are always looking for new members who are interested in serving their community as part of MCSO Search and Rescue. If you are interested in learning more about joining the team, please visit the Monterey County Sheriff's Office website for additional information.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office thanks our Search and Rescue Team, Big Sur Fire, Naval Air Station Lemoore and the crew of Lasso 3 for their teamwork and dedication during this successful rescue operation.