At around 8:00pm, Friday evening, March 6th, Del Norte Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was activated for two missing subjects reported in a swampy area off Elk Valley Road.
During the early stages of the search, investigators were able to establish text message communication with the two subjects using CalTopo’s text message location technology. Responders were able to obtain a cell phone location that significantly narrowed the search area within a section of swampy terrain and dense vegetation.
Assisted with the text message location technology, ground teams moved into the area indicated by the location ping and began pushing through waterlogged ground and thick vegetation to reach the subjects.
According to the Del Norte Search and Rescue Captain, the subjects texted responders during the operation warning SAR that conditions in the area were too wet to traverse.
Search and Rescue personnel made contact with both subjects and their dog shortly after making contact through texts, and safely escorted them out of the swampy area.
The subjects were evaluated and released to responsible parties.
