2 Hikers Rescued by Helicopter in O.C. Canyon
Two hikers who were exploring steep canyons east of Orange were rescued by helicopter Thursday, shaken but unhurt after they got lost and used a cell phone to call for help.
Rick Lloyd, 47, and John Parrini, 46, both of Orange, set out for a day hike after leaving their car about 8 a.m. near Black Star Canyon, said Officer Mark Reeves of the California Highway Patrol.
They told rescuers they were hiking toward the east side of Pleasants Peak but got disoriented.
Seven hours later and out of water, they called for help and contacted a CHP office, which dispatched a helicopter from Fullerton Municipal Airport.
With temperatures dropping to the low 30s, the hikers were found about 4:15 p.m.
Reeves said the hikers told the dispatcher where the helicopter was in relation to their position based on the sound of its engine. The dispatcher then relayed the information to the pilot.
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