CHP Air Unit Hoists Two Climbers From Big Sur Cliff Near Hurricane Point
California Highway Patrol’s Paso Robles Air Unit rescued two climbers from a steep chute near Hurricane Point, north of Big Sur, California, on August 22. The climbers were reported to be about 600 feet below the roadway when Big Sur Fire requested helicopter support at approximately 6:24 p.m.
CHP helicopter H-70 located the pair and conducted two technical hoist extractions. According to CHP’s account, the slope did not permit the helicopter rescue technician to safely disconnect from the hoist hook. The technician remained connected, secured one climber in a Pelican rescue harness, and was hoisted with that person to a staging area. The crew then returned to repeat the procedure for the second climber.
Local and national reporting, supported by video released through CHP Coastal Division Air Operations, consistently describes both climbers as safely rescued. Authorities had not released their identities, medical conditions, or details on how they became stranded. The aircraft type, crew identities, and any subsequent medical disposition were also not disclosed.
Why it matters
The mission illustrates the specialized coordination required for public-safety hoist work in confined, high-angle coastal terrain. Maintaining a stable hover while lowering, packaging, and recovering a rescuer and survivor demands disciplined aircrew, rescue-technician, communications, and ground-team performance. The operation also shows why agencies train for low-frequency technical rescues before an urgent real-world callout occurs.
Sources: KSBW; CBS San Francisco; Fox News
