SEDONA, AZ - (March 11, 2010) -
On March 7, 2010, just before 7 A.M., the Yavapai
County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was
notified of two lost and stranded men in the Wet
Beaver Wilderness near Forest Road 618. This area is
located east of the I17 at the 179 turn off.
One of
the men, identified as 61-year-old Carl Schwimmer
from Flagstaff, was able to make cell phone contact
with YCSO to request help. His companion was
56-year-old Thomas Pearsall from Cottonwood. Both
men had been in the area the day prior driving a
side by side quad vehicle which ran out of gas. The
men, now already out one night in the wilderness,
had water but no food.
YCSO
Forest Patrol personnel began coordinating a search effort involving the
YCSO Jeep Posse, Verde Search and Rescue Team, Yavapai County Sheriff’s
Office Response Team 4 by 4 Unit, and members of the Southern Yavapai
County Sheriff’s Office Response Team. Coconino Search and Rescue also
deployed an SUV vehicle outfitted to allow travel over snow.
YCSO
Communications personnel began efforts to track the missing men with
assistance from their cell phone company. The cell phone carrier could
only provide very general coordinates based on the closest cell phone
tower. DPS Ranger Helicopter was able to fly briefly, and although the
missing men were not spotted, they told rescue personnel the helicopter
was heard flying overhead. Rescue teams also learned the men found an
old shed to stay in which provided some shelter from the extreme
weather. The men were also able to light a warming fire. Search efforts
continue throughout the night as weather permitted. Their cell phone was
used sparingly to save battery power.
At
approximately 10 A.M. on Monday, March 8, members of the YCSRT Quad Unit
were able to locate the shed and rescue Schwimmer and Pearsall in good
condition. It took several hours to safely bring both men out and
neither required medical attention.
As
we all know, weather patterns recently have generated risky conditions
for anyone willing to venture into the wilderness. YCSO rescue experts
suggest you consider the current and expected forecast before such
excursions. It is always better to “over prepare” for such trips. A cell
phone, extra phone battery, light source, food, water and severe weather
clothing should be included in your planning. Many times, simple day
trips become unavoidable overnight stays.
