Helicopter helps rescue hiker on Montara Mountain

UPDATE & CORRECTION: The two dogs were rescued by land on Monday. The original version of this story described the helicopter as a Blackhawk. I’ve taken down the specific reference, as it appears that this may not be correct and the original source is no longer calling it a Blackhawk.

Pacifica Riptide has the exciting story of a hiker rescued by a helicopter on Montara Mountain Saturday night.  His two dogs are still stuck near Brooks Falls. His cries for help were first heard by a park ranger.

A search party made up of 40 expert climbers and others from the Office of Emergency Services, Coast Guard, North County Fire Authority (Pacifica Fire), Humane Society, and others had been unable to rescue the man, so the helicopter was brought in.

Unfortunately, the rescued hiker’s two dogs are still stuck near Brooks Falls, unable to get up or down the steep, inaccessible granite slope, and rescuers are unable to reach the stranded dogs. At least the dogs have access to drinking water from the falls, but no food, almost 48 hours since they became stranded.

Authorities are asking people to stay away from the scene or attempting to rescue the dogs, as they may interfere with rescue efforts or become stuck themselves.