POINT MUGU : 2 Stranded Hikers Rescued From Cliff

A team of expert rock climbers from the Sheriff’s Department rescued two hikers early Wednesday, six hours after the men became stranded when they attempted to descend a steep mountain north of Pacific Coast Highway near Mugu Rock.

Willfredo Hernandez, 26, and Lepe Marco Antonio Benitez, 22, both of Los Angeles, were lowered 400 feet to the ground in safety harnesses by the sheriff’s rescue squad about 4 a.m. Wednesday, Lt. Gary Markley said.

The hikers weren’t hurt, but two sheriff’s rock climbers suffered minor injuries during the attempt to retrieve the men from the mountain, Sgt. Earl Matthews said.

The path of the hikers’ ascent was not difficult, but they tried to descend a steep mountain face covered in loose shale and became stuck, Markley said.

A friend who was watching them from the ground notified authorities and the rescue attempt began about 10 p.m., Markley said.

Five rescuers hiked up the mountain and then rappelled down the 50-degree slope to the men, who were not carrying any hiking equipment, Matthews said. The rescue proceeded slowly because the climbers’ footing was shaky and it was difficult to plant anchors for safety ropes, Matthews said.

One rescuer suffered a bruise from a falling rock and another had a cut knee that required stitches, Matthews said.