Marin SAR was requested by OES to deploy a ropes-qualified team to Yolo County to assist in a rescue and carry-out of an injured hiker and a Yolo SAR member who was cliffed-out. Air support had been requested, but low-lying fog was hampering their assistance efforts. Approximately 15 members responded to support Yolo County. While en route, the team was informed that the CANG helicopter had successfully hoisted the cliffed-out Yolo SAR member, and our response was canceled.

On 12/30/23, Stinson Beach Fire requested Marin SAR for another round of sandbagging prep ahead of a potential extreme tidal event. The team deployed to Stinson Station 2, filling and stacking over 800 sandbags with 300 tied and placed in loaders. The Stinson Beach event did not turn out to be as bad as feared, and while some bags were dropped by the loader in some holes in the sea wall, most were stacked at Station 2 in preparation for a January tidal event that could be problematic. Other agencies present included Marin County Fire, State Parks, Water District, and DPW.

Stinson Beach Fire Department requested Marin SAR to assist in storm response due to a king tide combined with a large swell. Unlike last year, we were requested several hours before the area was impacted, allowing better preparation. 24 members responded and filled approximately 1,200 sandbags over 4 hours. We also assisted fire units in deploying bags in several locations in the impacted areas. Near the end of the incident, SAR units noted damage and took geo-referenced images for damage assessment. This was a significant team effort, with our members working closely with Stinson, Bolinas, and County Fire Department units. While the storm was less impactful than last year, several large waves splashed down streets, and several residences were damaged.

Point Reyes National Seashore Rangers notified Marin SAR of a potential MP whose car had been parked at the Bear Valley Visitor Center for several days. With 34 members on route and 2 working on remote plans, the PRNS Rangers' investigation revealed no camping permit in the MP’s name. Marin SAR quickly responded and located the MP as he was returning to his car. He had been camping with the permit in his friend's name. The team showcased pre-made hasty assignments, and with the situation resolved, the team was released.

Marin SAR was requested to assist in Northern Mendocino County for a missing 63-year-old male after not coming home from a remote family cabin. 5 Marin SAR members responded to assist with overhead, and 11 members followed later. Teams of 3 searched drainages, and teams of 5 focused on larger areas. A Marin SAR team located him deceased in a deep and narrow drainage that could have easily been overlooked. The search concluded with most teams returning to the CP while Marin and BAMRU members completed the recovery and additional investigatory evidence searching at the direction of Mendocino deputies. Other agencies that responded were BAMRU, CalSAR, CARDA, Lake, Napa, National Guard, Sonoma, and Santa Clara.

Marin SAR was requested to assist the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office in locating a missing 87-year-old female near Cazadero. The woman lived alone on a remote property, and concerns were raised when her daughter did not receive letters as usual and requested a welfare check. Deputies discovered the MP’s car, open door, and a message in painted rocks and sticks spelling "help," along with letters about intruders in her home. An initial search yielded no significant clues, so mutual aid was requested involving SAR teams from various counties on 11/21. Around 10:10, a team from Alameda found the woman’s purse, and shortly after, a Marin SAR team discovered her deceased along an old road. The search concluded with all teams returning to the Incident Command Post.

Marin SAR was requested to assist in Calaveras County for a missing 66-year-old female who disappeared while on a hike to explore caves. During the first day of search efforts with Marin SAR, the search included high-probability areas, e-bike teams, cliff bands exploration, and ground teams. The following day involved transitioning Marin SAR members to deputy plans chief and plans section chief roles, with Marin field members split into integrated teams to clear the San Antonio Creek drainage. No significant clues were found, leading to Marin’s involvement in another day of searching, where teams deployed to challenging terrains amid rain and low temperatures. Despite the difficult conditions, no clues were discovered. In Operational Period 5 (OP5), Marin members served in planning roles, configuring into teams focusing on drainages along the ridgeline. Operational Period 6 aimed to expand the search by clearing GPS coverage gaps, with a member assuming plans section chief and mentoring a Calaveras member. Despite new cell phone forensics information, no additional clues were found, and ongoing planning transitioned to Calaveras as Marin members were released from the incident. Calaveras SAR located the subject during operational period 9.

The US Parks Department enlisted Marin SAR’s help in locating a missing horse named Sequoia. The previous day, the horse had become separated from its owner near Devil's Gulch where a group of riders and horses were camping. Sequoia, reportedly tied to a bush, had freed herself and wandered off. The owner initially followed the northeast direction but lost track of hoofprints, necessitating her bushwacking to Jewell Trail, where she was picked up by Park Rangers. Several Marin SAR members set up a command post, liaising with Park Rangers and the horse camping group. However, before further deployment, a call came in that Sequoia was found close to the last known point by a local rancher.

An 81YOF with dementia left her residence in the middle of the day. Due to concerns about her wandering near a steep hillside, Law Enforcement requested Marin SAR a few hours later. The MP was found at the bottom of a 210-foot drainage without shoes or a jacket. Fire provided her with shoes and a jacket and initiated a technical rescue operation. As a result, Marin SAR’s assistance was canceled.

Marin SAR responded to a request from State Park Rangers to locate and assist two college-aged exchange students stranded in a drainage north of the Matt Davis Trail. The students had hiked down from Ridgecrest Blvd to Stinson Beach to watch the sunset but became stuck in the dark. One student reached the fire station in Stinson Beach, prompting a response from Stinson Beach firefighters. When Marin SAR arrived at the CP, they dispatched a team to cross country in steep terrain to the ping location. While approaching, Stinson Beach firefighters made contact with the subjects, and Marin SAR members joined the effort. The decision was made to exit downhill, mirroring the path firefighters had taken. A Marin SAR team deployed with rope gear in case of rope access needs. Hazardous terrain, rain, and anchored cordage deployment complicated the descent. Despite the difficulties, the team successfully guided everyone to safety.

Marin SAR was requested to aid in the search for a missing mountain biker in Sierra County who had failed to return from a weekend camping trip. Marin SAR joined forces with Nevada County SAR. An e-bike team found the subject’s bike near a cliff band, leading to a challenging search of the river canyon. With the help of a drone, the team located the deceased subject in a large pool of water. Coordination with technical teams ensued, resulting in a complex recovery operation.

A group of three men were swimming just outside the surf zone at Wildcat Beach when a large shark impacted one of the men from the back. He disappeared under the water and was not seen again. His friends saw the shark, and other witnesses saw blood in the water. The shark was observed 15 minutes later a few hundred feet to the north by witnesses on the bluff overlooking the beach, but not seen after that. Despite immediate response by rangers, a Reach helicopter, NPS Lifeguards, and USCG, no remains were not found. On OP1, Marin SAR, aided by Alameda County Sheriff's SAR volunteers, conducted an extended search. On OP2, teams deployed to higher visibility points, but nothing was located. OP3 involved a comprehensive effort with ground teams, an ebike team, MCSO UAV, Alameda County Sheriff's Boat, and Contra Costa County Sheriff's ROV. Despite thorough searches and advanced technology, no clues were found, leading to a decision to limit searches to mornings. An evening shoreline search revealed no new leads. OP4 and OP5 consisted of thorough shoreline searches with high-visibility teams, but no additional clues were found.

Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from Marin SAR, including a remote planning team, overhead team, and ground searchers, to locate a missing 24 YOM backpacker in the Chewing Gum Lake area of the Emigrant Wilderness. The individual had set out for a trail run the previous afternoon from his campsite, dressed in only a t-shirt, shorts, and running shoes. Subsequently, heavy rain and snow occurred overnight. Tuolumne conducted an overnight search, and Marin SAR initiated a remote planning team with four members responding. However, as they were en route, the missing backpacker was found alive and well, returning to his campsite, and all responding resources were canceled.

Thirteen Marin SAR members responded to assist Tulare County SAR in the search for a 75-year-old male. The subject had gone missing during a hunting trip. The search was focused in steep and hilly terrain. Facing challenging drainage assignments and a late start, Marin SAR teams operated well into the night as planning efforts extended until nearly 2330. The following morning, as the team prepared for a briefing, news arrived that family members had made voice contact with the MP. Marin SAR stood by for a potential rescue operation, and H40 successfully hoisted the MP out, but due to capacity constraints, the medic was left behind temporarily. As MarinSAR waited, unexpected clouds rolled in, temporarily obscuring visibility. Fortunately, by the time H40 returned, visibility was restored, and the medic was successfully hoisted out, concluding the assignment with a successful rescue.

Ten Marin SAR members arrived in Calaveras County to assist with search efforts for a 67-year-old male who went on a bike ride and was later reported missing. Teams were deployed where smoke and signals were seen near a forest road and creek. Due to the challenging terrain and obstacles, such as fallen trees, several members transitioned to e-bikes and foot travel. Voice calls were utilized, and the MP was located near a shack after yelling and signaling with an emergency whistle. Efforts were divided between attending to the MP’s medical needs and extinguishing a signaling fire. A UTV team of Calaveras fire and SAR members arrived to transport the MP back to the command post, where he was evaluated and treated by ALS and then released.

The San Rafael Police Department requested Marin SAR for an evidence search to look for a handgun. The search area was focused specifically on the spot where an officer had witnessed the suspect discarding an object with a splash in Gallinas Creek. Teams concluded their searches within an hour, yielding no new evidence.

Marin SAR was requested to assist Marin County Fire with a possible trail rescue carryout. The subject had an exposed compound fracture of the ankle, which was assessed and treated by paramedics. Given the tree cover and canopy height, it was unclear if a hoist would be possible. MSAR was in place to assist with the carryout if needed. However, the hoist went smoothly, and all resources were released.

Marin SAR was requested by Marin County Fire to assist with a trail rescue on the Cataract trail for a 30-year-old female who suffered a fractured ankle after a 10-foot fall from the trail. MSAR worked with fire resources to locate, package, transport, and prepare for the hoist.

Marin SAR was requested to recover a deceased subject off the Steep Ravine Trail at the base of a cliff. This complex recovery operation involved several rope evolutions and careful litter handling to extract the patient. The subject was transferred to the Coroner, and SAR was released. State Parks also assisted with this mission

Marin SAR was requested to recover a deceased subject off the Steep Ravine Trail at the base of a cliff. This was a complex recovery operation involving several rope evolutions and careful litter handling to extract the patient. The subject was transferred to the Coroner and SAR was released. State Parks also assisted with this mission.

Marin SAR was requested by Marin County Fire to assist with a trail rescue on Helen Markt Trail. The patient was suffering from heat stress with muscle cramps and could no longer ambulate. After an extended boat ride and hike to access her, County Fire medics noted that the patient was improving with rest and electrolytes and began to hike her out. She was able to hike to the boat. SAR team members and fire crews that hiked in were treated to a boat ride out by the Marin Water District Rangers.

Marin SAR was requested to help locate a missing 17YOF with an existing traumatic brain injury in Muir Woods National Monument. She had become separated from her family, last seen on a trail in the back end of the canyon hours earlier. Teams hasty searched over a dozen trails to Muir Beach and the Muir Woods Canyon late into the night. At 01:15, Rangers heard frequent, distant cries for help. The MP was located by a SAR member, however, she bolted down a steep slope. After several minutes a Marin SAR member got a hold of her before reaching a 10-foot drop. She was calmed down and walked out with Marin County Fire units performing a medical assessment before she was reunited with her family.

36 Marin SAR members were deployed in search of a missing 14 YOM that got lost while hiking in Muir Woods. The MP was located shortly after members were deployed, and the mission was canceled.

Five Marin SAR members headed to the mountains above Sierra Madre to assist in a search for a missing 53 YOM hiker, overdue for several days. Mountain Rescue teams from across California were called to assist. Over two days, Marin SAR members were configured into two teams with teams being flown into assignments each day. The weather was very hot and the terrain was difficult, requiring the use of rope access to descend down steep drainages at several points. The day after we departed the search the subject was located deceased by search teams in dense brush off the main trail.

Cal OES requested Marin SAR’s help to respond to Santa Cruz County for a missing bike rider. After a day of searching, San Mateo County Park Rangers located the MP’s bike along the path of a long-closed and overgrown trail on the San Mateo side of the ridge. SAR teams hiked for two hours to the top of the ridge where the bike was located. Marin SAR was requested to provide an overhead team with ground searchers. Shortly after, the ICP reported the victim was located, but two Marin SAR members continued in and assisted with the all-night extrication of the subject off of the ridge. Participating teams included Santa Cruz, San Mateo, BAMRU SAR units, San Mateo Parks, and several fire agencies.

Marin SAR was requested by the Mill Valley Police Department to assist in a search for a 12YOM with disabilities. As we were responding, members were alerted that the missing subject had been located alive and well.

The San Rafael Police Department was involved in a foot pursuit with a suspect seen wearing a green satchel with a weapon but the subject was located without those items. Marin SAR, along with the Sheriff’s Dive Team was requested to search for the possible weapon. Twenty-six members attempted to locate that evidence in and around a creek just off Redwood Highway Frontage Road. Teams searched for three hours; however, no evidence was located.

Twenty-six Marin SAR members responded to a mutual aid call to San Luis Obispo County to search for a 5YOM last seen that January after being swept down the San Marcos Creek. This was among the largest search efforts in California history involving 400 searchers from SAR teams across California. Searching was tightly spaced in many sand dunes and often thick vegetation, looking for bones and bone fragments over two days. Unfortunately, no significant clues were found during this effort.

Novato Police Department requested Marin SAR to assist in locating a missing 13YOM. The MP was walking from home to his grandmother's house but never arrived. Not long after the first units were deployed, the MP walked into his home healthy and unharmed.

Marin SAR responded with 42 members to assist in a search in Novato Police to locate a missing 61 YOM who suffered from dementia. Teams were deployed on foot, e-bikes, and K9, to search trails, creeks, roads, and open spaces. Several residents reported sightings as the evening progressed, which eventually provided a direction of travel. Searching continued, and resources were redirected as clues developed, and mutual aid was requested for search efforts the next day. The next day, while search assignments were ongoing, a family friend called the MP’s sister and reported that the subject had walked up to a house over 30 miles from the point last seen! The subject was subsequently transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. A big thanks to Marin Open Space Rangers and SAR teams from Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa, San Mateo/BAMRU, and CARDA who assisted us with the search.

The San Rafael Police Department requested Marin SAR to conduct an evidence search for a handgun used in a series of armed robberies in Marin. A subsequent search located the clothes the subject was seen wearing during the robbery, however, the subject's handgun was still missing. Twenty Marin SAR members were on scene and split into three teams. Key evidence was located.

Marin SAR was requested for a mutual aid search in Sierra County for a missing female with early onset Alzheimer's and periods of confusion. The MP was last known to be in her tent by Goose Lake, with only light clothing and no shoes on. 18 Marin SAR members were quickly deployed into the field after arriving on scene and searched with 30 other members from Nevada County until 22:00. Teams camped overnight. The following day, Marin teams located tracks of human footprints in both snow and mud consistent with the MP’s size. She was not located by the end of the day. Search efforts continued on 6/19/23 with a number of SAR teams from Northern California. Around noon the missing subject was located by an Air Guard helicopter in a drainage off a road near the point last seen. Marin along with several other SAR teams provided initial stabilization of the patient in good condition for having been out for over 60 hours. A rescue helicopter transported the subject to a local trauma center. This successful search was a huge team effort involving SAR teams from Nevada, Butte, Placer, Tahoe Nordic, BAMRU, Contra Costa, Washoe, and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

MMWD Rangers made a trail rescue request for an injured hiker on the Cataract trail. Shortly after the request, we were canceled as they had sufficient resources on scene.

Marin SAR received a request from Fairfax Police at 11:49 PM for a missing 7 YOM who reportedly had a disagreement with his mother, which resulted in him running away with his sleeping bag in downtown Fairfax. Forty-four Marin SAR members and two K9 teams were on scene within 20 minutes of the request and completed 14 assignments searching a wide area with no clues. Operations were scaled back by 4:00 AM with several K-9 teams and an overhead team continuing the search. A large order to mutual aid was placed to continue the search at first light. At approximately 05:45, an alert citizen called Fairfax Police who located the MP in good condition after spending the night in a sleeping bag on the side of the road.

Marin SAR was requested for an investigation to search for a 36 YOM in Novato who had been missing for several weeks from his vehicle off Binford Road. This search was challenging due to high water and thick vegetation conditions. Searchers logged over 265 hours over two days with ground teams and K9 teams. No clues were found during this search effort and the case is being followed up by the Sheriff’s Department Investigations.

Marin SAR members responded to a request from Butte County to assist with search efforts for a 72 YOF thought to have dementia. The MP was last seen on 4/10/23, though her car was not immediately located. Eventually, the MP’s car was located. Responding Marin SAR members searched several assignments, though were unable to locate any significant clues regarding the MP, and were released. The following OP, several additional Marin SAR members responded. Prior to deployment teams were alerted that the MP had been located, deceased. Marin SAR members assisted with transporting and packaging the MP. A local helicopter performed a successful extraction of the MP via longline.

Marin SAR received a Mutual Aid request from Mendocino County to assist with the search for a missing 2YO in the afternoon of 4/4/23. Prior to departing, members were alerted that the MP had been located alive.

On 4/1/23, several Marin SAR members supported the Marinduro bike racing event by providing EMS support. Several riders approached Marin SAR members with complaints of possible concussions, head trauma, and wounds. Marin SAR members treated and released injured riders. Another rider had a possible tib/fib fracture. Marin SAR members utilized a UTV and litter to package, and transport the rider to Marin County Fire paramedics.

Mendocino SAR requested Mutual Aid assistance with the search for a 24 YOM who had last been seen on 3/27/23. Responding Marin SAR members searched drainages and areas where the MP had possibly been sighted. However, the MP was not located during the OP, and Marin SAR members were released.

Sonoma County requested Mutual Aid assistance with search efforts for a 65YOM who was last seen near his residence on 2/27/23. Responding Marin SAR members assisted in management roles as well as formed several field teams which re-searched assignments completed previously in a hasty manner, as well as searched several areas which had not yet been searched. Over the next two days, additional Marin SAR members responded and assisted with search, investigative, and planning efforts. No significant clues were located. The MP was later located deceased by a citizen.

Marin SAR was requested via CalOES to assist Del Norte County with search efforts for a missing female mushroom picker, who had last been seen on 2/2/23. On 2/4/23, a USCG helicopter hoisted the MP’s daughter from a drainage in which she had sheltered. Del Norte County resources initiated a search for the MP, which continued through 2/7/23. A team located the MP’s family’s dog, who had also been missing, in an area near the drainage where the MP’s father and daughter had descended. Marin SAR members formed a single team that covered the main drainage in which the MP’s daughter had been located, also where the MP’s husband and daughter believed they had made voice contact with her. One member assisted Del Norte County resources in overhead. No significant clues were located during this OP. Several more Marin SAR members responded to Del Norte County later that evening. On 2/11/23, Marin SAR formed two teams that searched densely vegetated areas directly above the drainage, areas which the MP’s daughter and husband both believed the MP had traveled through or might be located, due to the MP’s voice calls on 2/3/23. Two Marin SAR members also served as flankers for CARDA teams, and two Marin SAR members served roles in overhead. No significant clues were located during the day’s search efforts, and teams were released. Several days later, resources discovered a bucket matching the description of the MP’s. On 2/17 several Marin SAR members responded and assisted with efforts to cut a trail through thick brush to access the search areas. Over the course of two days, members cut a trail to more easily access high POD search areas. The MP was eventually located deceased by a family member.

Marin SAR received a request from MCSO to assist with search efforts for a 67YOM who had not returned to work after a break earlier that morning. Less than an hour later, investigative efforts led to the location of the missing subject in the immediate area, and responding members were released.

Marin SAR was requested to assist with the search for a missing male hiker known to have dementia. The MP had been hiking with his wife when the two became separated. An MMWD ranger and an SO deputy hasty searched the area surrounding where the missing person (MP) had been hiking. About 10 minutes after members received the callout, a citizen located the MP along Deer Camp Fire Road, alive and well. The SO deputy reunited the MP with his wife.

GGNRA requested Marin SAR’s assistance with a search for a missing despondent male after rangers located his car abandoned on Conzelman Rd in the Marin Headlands. Responding members were configured into ground teams and several HRD K9 teams, which searched areas around the LKP. Additionally, the MCSO UAV assisted with search efforts. During OP1, no notable clues were located by teams in the field. After conducting further investigations and interviewing the MP’s family, Marin SAR, GGNRA, and MCSO continued the search for a second OP on 1/20/23. H-30 also conducted aerial searching along coastal areas. On 1/20/23, members returned to continue searching near the LKP. During OP3, MCSO Posse assisted in search efforts. On 1/28/23, K9 teams searched several areas as well as cliff bases, and one member along with a GGNRA ranger, utilizing binoculars, searched cliff areas. Subsequent search operations were suspended.

On the morning of 1/14/23, Marin SAR received a mutual aid request from Nevada County for a missing elderly female with dementia, who had left her home the previous afternoon. 12 MSAR members responded to support OP2, with one member assisting Nevada County SAR members with overhead operations. Other members were deployed into two ground teams. Despite heavy rain and cold conditions, each team completed two assignments during OP2, however, no notable clues were located. Several additional members responded to support OP3 the following day. After several hours, the MP was located deceased by a citizen.

39 MSAR members responded to the Stinson Beach area to assist the Stinson Beach Fire Department with filling and placing sandbags along residences impacted by flooding after a seawall overflowed. In addition to filling sandbags, Marin SAR members performed damage assessments of local neighborhoods by documenting flooding impacts. Operations were complete by 16:30, and members were released.

Marin SAR received a request to assist with search efforts for an elderly male with severe dementia, who was last seen at his residence about two hours prior. With a severe weather system approaching, responding members were quickly deployed to search. The MP was located in some vegetation about 30 minutes later by SO deputies near his residence.

Nine Marin SAR members assisted MMWD rangers with locating a hiker who had called for assistance, as she was cold, and without food or water. Cell phone ping information showed the hiker’s location as about halfway down the Helen Markt Trail from the Cataract Trail Junction. MSAR members split into two teams, quickly located the hiker, as well as offered her warm clothing, food, and water. MSAR members returned to the trailhead with the hiker.

While initiating a PSAR response on a crowded day in the MMWD area, 6 Marin SAR members responded to a call for a hiker with an ankle injury. Marin SAR members assisted Ross Valley and Marin County Firefighters in splinting the patient’s ankle and performing a litter carryout. After the carryout, the patient declined further transport assistance, and Marin SAR members returned to PSAR operations.