Lost hiker found after ten days in Santa Cruz Mountains
2:39 PM EDT, June 24, 2024
He went on a three-hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains but got stuck there for ten days. He lost his way because recent wildfires had erased signposts and landmarks that marked the trail. Miraculously, he managed to survive.
The disappearance of Lukas McClish, a 34-year-old Californian, was reported by his family when he didn't visit them on Father's Day, celebrated in the US on the third Sunday of June. For his parents, it was obvious that their son was in some kind of trouble since he didn't come to wish his dad a happy Father's Day.
The report triggered a massive rescue operation. Fortunately, on Thursday, after several days of searching the mountains, he was spotted by a drone camera from the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office.
Cal Fire Czu rescuers, who helped locate and extract the unlucky tourist from the forest, reported that they had received several reports in recent days about mysterious signals. Tourists mentioned hearing cries for help, but no one could determine where the voice was coming from.
Ultimately, Lukas McClish was found in the forest between Empire Grade Road and Big Basin Highway in Santa Cruz County. The local sheriff's office stated that the discovered tourist did not have significant injuries and immediately returned to his family.
US tourist lost in the mountains. He couldn't find his way back
In an interview with the local ABC News station, McClish said that on that day he went hiking "only in pants, hiking boots, and a hat." "I had a flashlight and a pair of folding scissors, similar to a Leatherman tool. And that's about it," he said.
He says he survived by drinking large amounts of water, which he collected in his boot. He tried very hard not to limit his fluid intake. Every day, he managed to collect nearly a gallon (about four quarts).
He missed food very much. He searched for small, sour berries growing in the area. He was a little exhausted, and he was moved when he saw rescue teams arriving to help him.
He was somewhat embarrassed that he was in such an unfortunate situation during a simple, short hike in the mountains. He said he probably wouldn't go on solo trips for a while. "I've had enough excitement for the rest of this year," he commented.
