US Hiker Rescued After 10 Days In Mountains As Witnesses Heard Desperate Calls For Help

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California hiker Lukas McClish, stranded for 10 days in Santa Cruz Mountains, survives on wild berries and water, rescued by drone, reunited with family

A 34-year-old hiker was rescued in the US state of California after being stranded in the mountains for 10 days, surviving on wild berries and one gallon of water daily.

Lukas McClish set out for a three-hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains on June 11 but lost his way due to landmarks destroyed by recent wildfires. His family reported him missing on June 16, prompting a multi-day search. There were multiple reports of “witnesses hearing someone yelling” for help, but the location was hard to establish.

McClish was spotted on Thursday by a drone from the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office in the forest between Empire Grade Road and the Big Basin Highway. He was found with no major injuries and reunited with his family, described by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office as a successful team effort.

CAL FIRE CZU firefighters assisted @SantaCruzSO1 @BoulderCreekFD with a rescue in Big Basin State Parks last night. There were multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish. READ MORE ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tQxHvVPVJO— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) June 21, 2024

“With @SantaCruzSO1 drone Lukas McClish, 34, was located in the forest between Empire Grade & Big Basin Hwy near Foreman Creek in @sccounty. McClish was reported missing 5 days ago by family. CDCR and @CAStateParks assisted. We are grateful he’s home,” the San Mateo-based fire authorities said in a post on X.

“CAL FIRE CZU firefighters assisted @SantaCruzSO1 @BoulderCreekFD with a rescue in Big Basin State Parks last night. There were multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish,” they added.

In an interview with a local ABC News outlet, McClish recounted hiking with minimal gear — just pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a Leatherman tool. He survived by drinking water collected in his boot, ensuring he consumed a gallon each day. However, nearing the end, his body needed sustenance beyond water.

Reflecting on his ordeal, McClish expressed gratitude for the rescue teams and described the experience as humbling and awe-inspiring. After the ordeal left him tired and sore, he indicated he would likely avoid wilderness activities for the remainder of the year.