Cape Arago Rescue, Sept. 9

News release from the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office. On September 7, 2014 two men were rescued from the rugged Seven Devils area of Coos County after becoming lost on the coastal trails south of Cape Arago State Park. At about 8:33 PM the Coos County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the stranded hikers. They reported they had left their vehicle at Cape Arago State Park and began hiking the coastal trail’s earlier in the day. In the densely forested region they had become disoriented and wandered until after darkness fell. At the time of their call at 8:30 PM they had run out of water, but still had food and were dressed appropriately for the weather. Coos County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Cape Arago State Park along with Oregon State Park personnel. Utilizing night vision the deputies were able to locate the stranded hikers as they flashed a light from their cellular phone. A small fishing boat was anchored in the South Cove. The US Coast Guard North Bend air station was contacted and a helicopter was requested. A Dolphin helicopter was dispatched to the scene and arrived at approximately 10:02 PM. Flying under high clouds backlit by an almost full moon the Coast Guard helicopter began searching the rugged cliffs. Utilizing their night sun search light as well as a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) device they quickly located the two stranded hikers. After discussing amongst the helicopter crew and with the operations center it was decided to hoist the two stranded hikers from the forested cliffside. By 11:09 PM the two hikers had been hoisted into the helicopter. They were then taken to the Coast Guard air station where a Sheriff’s deputy met them. Michael Klemm, 19 of Fort Worth, Texas and Troy Wery, 37 of San Diego, California were unharmed and in good condition. They were taken back to Cape Arago State Park where they picked up their vehicle. This was an almost textbook rescue that took minimal time. This is not that common in search and rescue operations. These hikers would have had to remain overnight in the woods until search and rescue members could have been assembled and sent in had the US Coast Guard not answered the call. The weather conditions were just right in this case. With mushroom picking season upon us, and hunting season around the corner the Coos County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and carry food items, water, flashlight and a cell phone whenever hiking in Coos County. Although cell signals may vary in this instance the ability to speak to the missing hikers was instrumental in their safe recovery. The ability to have survival items will greatly increase your chance of survival and assist authorities in locating you. Additional items such as a whistle, flashlight, and space blanket will aid rescuers and possibly save your life. For information on joining our Search and Rescue team contact Deputy Tony Watson at (541) 396-7800