Marin SAR assisted Mill Valley Police in locating a missing 14-year-old autistic male who wandered away from the Mill Valley Community Center. While search teams were prepared to deploy, a Golden Gate Transit bus driver reported a teenager matching the subject’s description at a bus stop. MVPD confirmed that it was the subject, and he was safely transported by an officer.

Marin SAR was requested to assist Ross Valley Fire Department with a trail rescue on the Yolanda Trail above Fairfax for a subject who had reportedly been down in a ravine for up to four days. Marin was requested due to concerns that fog might limit helicopter access. Fourteen members responded to this rescue. Two members reached the subject as they were being packaged. CHP-30 successfully completed a hoist rescue and transported the patient.

On Thanksgiving morning, 10 Marin SAR members supported Marin Municipal Water District and Marin County Parks during the annual Turkey Day Ride. At 1228, SAR responded to a mountain bike crash near the summit of Pine Mountain with possible loss of consciousness. SAR assisted with patient assessment, care, and transported the patient by UTV to Azalea Hill, where the subject was transferred to ALS care.

Mill Valley PD requested Marin Search and Rescue to assist with a search for an 80-year-old woman, who was last seen at her residence on November 24th. MVPD conducted initial searches of the residence and surrounding areas. Several possible sightings were reported. Marin SAR established a command post at Mt. Carmel Church, with several members arriving within 15 minutes. One Marin member interviewed the husband and caregiver at the residence, while remote planning began developing team assignments. Teams were deployed into the field to conduct door-to-door checks, hasty searches, and to notify residents to be on the lookout. As SAR vehicles arrived on-scene with additional equipment and personnel, Marin SAR was notified that a Marin County Sheriff’s Office deputy had located the subject deceased. The search was concluded.

18 Marin SAR members responded to the continued search efforts for the missing 73-year-old. Marin deployed to challenging assignments. No significant clues or leads were located during this OP. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office then transitioned to limited/continuous searching.

11 Marin SAR members responded to OP6 of the search for the missing 73-year-old female. Multiple California agencies responded to this OP. Two Marin members were assigned to overhead roles. The remaining members were divided into search teams and deployed into challenging terrain. No significant clues or leads were located during this operational period.

Marin SAR members returned to Santa Cruz to assist with the continued search efforts for the missing subject. After being briefed, Marin deployed to search drainages and area assignments. The drainages were steep, heavily vegetated, and very difficult to search. No significant clues or leads were located during this operation. Teams returned to the ICP by nightfall.

Marin Search and Rescue assisted Santa Cruz County Search and Rescue in the search for a missing 73-year-old female who had walked away from her care facility on November 18th. Several sightings were reported, with K9 interest in the area. Marin SAR responded to the ICP, with several Marin SAR members transitioning into overhead roles to help relieve Santa Cruz. Teams began deploying into the field around 1800. Searches continued late into the night before concluding around 0100. Later that morning, November 20th, approximately 85 searchers from teams across California were deployed into the field. Searchers covered challenging terrain, including drainages, old roads, and extreme vegetation in the rain. At the end of the OP, Marin SAR demobilized and returned to Marin.

Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office requested mutual aid from Marin SAR, including ground searchers, UAVs, and technical teams for a missing despondent male near Albion, California. While en route, Mendocino County notified MSAR that the subject had been located safe. Responders were cancelled.

The Sheriff's Office requested SAR for a 7-year-old female missing for over 1.5 hours. As we were initiating, the subject was located, and SAR was cancelled.

Marin Search and Rescue responded to a request made by CAL OES and the San Francisco Police for a missing 10-year-old male. Shortly after the request was made, an SFPD officer located the subject in a local park.

Following the completion of the Novato missing persons search, Novato PD requested assistance from Marin SAR in an evidence search. Two divisions were established, with 25 members assigned to each. After approximately three hours of searching by 50 search personnel, no evidence was located. Novato PD expressed gratitude and appreciation for Marin SAR’s rapid response and thorough coverage of the search area.

The Novato Police Department requested Marin Search and Rescue to assist in the search for a missing 11-year-old autistic female who had walked away from her home just after 0900. Marin Search and Rescue mobilized 60 personnel, established a command post, and requested additional resources, including the Marin Sheriff’s UAV team, patrol deputies, Marin County Open Space Rangers, Novato Fire, CHP H30, and CHP Marin Area units. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also quickly initiated a response. A remote planning team began building search operations early and generated over 40 search assignments. Marin SAR quickly deployed over 20 searchers into the field before a Sheriff’s Office deputy located the subject, who was recovered safely with assistance from Novato PD and was transported home.

At 23:20, Marin SAR was requested to aid MMWD rangers and deputies in a search for a missing hiker on Mount Tamalpais. The subject, a 67-year-old man, was reported missing by his wife, who last contacted him around 5:30 PM. The subject reported to his wife that he had made a wrong turn but knew where he was and would return to his vehicle in approximately 90 minutes. The subject also mentioned that his cell phone battery was very low. The subject’s wife was able to provide a “find my phone” location to authorities, which showed a location near the Bon Tempe Dam. Marin SAR deployed 35 members and began search operations, focusing on the areas between Alpine Lake and Rock Springs. Search teams were deployed from both the Rock Springs trailhead and the Sky Oaks Ranger station. Just after 2:00 AM, a ground team located the hiker above Kent Trail. He was assessed, given water, and found to be in good condition. The team assisted the subject with the walk back to a trailhead and provided transportation to his vehicle. The subject reported that his phone ran out of battery before nightfall, that he became lost, and sustained non-injury falls. Due to the issues, he decided to stay put for the night. The subject was extremely grateful for Marin SAR’s efforts.

Marin SAR responded to a search for a missing 46-year-old male, who had been last seen the previous afternoon. His family was concerned for his welfare and that he might be experiencing behavioral health issues. It was determined that the subject was at risk, and after an initial investigation by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, including a search of nearby hospitals, Marin SAR was requested. Within 15 minutes of the callout, Marin SAR was on scene and began setting up a command post. Simultaneously, a remote planning team began developing search plans. After the initial investigation, the subject’s spouse provided deputies with a summary of recent credit card charges. This information caused the management team to expand the search. A deputy assigned to the search and following up on an investigative lead located the missing subject in good condition at a nearby 7-11. The subject was returned to his family, and all resources were released.

On Sunday, October 26th, Marin SAR responded to a call for a missing 55-year-old man after he had walked away from his campsite around 21:30. He was reported to have been behaving in a manner that was out of character and possibly experiencing behavioral health issues. When conducting interviews with his friends and family, it was noted that the subject was possibly under the influence, and they were concerned for his welfare. Within an hour of Marin SAR’s arrival, remote planning had developed a thorough search plan. SAR Falcon initiated cell phone forensics, ground and e-bike teams, and a thermal-imaging-capable UAV were deployed, and two canine teams were ordered to assist with the search. Around 0500, the subject returned to his campsite and reported that he was very intoxicated and had walked away from his campsite. He reportedly entered a field, passed out for several hours, then woke and walked back to his campsite.

The National Park Service requested the assistance of Marin SAR on October 26th, 2025. This request came through to aid in a search for historical human remains along the Fire Lane Trail in Point Reyes. 10 Marin SAR members, with two HRD canine handlers from Santa Clara County SAR and two NPS Rangers, searched pre-identified areas for the human remains. After a briefing by NPS, the team hiked to the search area, split into two teams, and began searching through heavy brush and poor weather. Nothing substantial was located, and the search was concluded.

Marin SAR responded to a request to search for a male reported missing since October 10th. On October 12th, a deputy and open space rangers conducted a hasty search of the Horse Hill open space with no clues found. On October 13th, the Sheriff's Office requested cell phone forensics by CALOES FALCON. The FALCON team discovered that the phone was still active and provided a polygon of several hundred acres to focus the search. Deputies conducted a third search of his car and house and were still unable to locate the phone. The Sheriff’s Office requested that Marin SAR aid in this search. Marin SAR members received the callout during a meeting and promptly responded. Within thirty minutes of the first team being deployed into the field, the MP's remains were located. Marin SAR stood by and assisted in a carryout once the scene was processed.

In continuation of OP1, Marin SAR set up a command post at Pierce Point Ranch. Teams were deployed into the field and searched all beaches on the ocean side of Tomales Point to 0.5 miles south of Abbotts Lagoon. No new clues were located. All teams were out of the field by 1300.

NPS rangers requested Marin SAR to assist in the search for a missing woman out of Bodega Bay Head. This request was made after a visitor located an item belonging to the subject on Kehoe Beach. Marin SAR was requested to search the coastline north of McClure’s Beach for more clues. Plans were written remotely, and teams were deployed to the beaches to search. No new clues were located.

Marin SAR responded to assist Southern Marin Fire and NPS rangers for a technical rescue for a 15YOM who had fallen out of a tree and down an embankment in a remote location. Team members who were training nearby broke off their training and assisted fire units by carrying equipment to the scene, performing rope operations, and assisting with the carryout by a CHP rescue helicopter on the ridge above. He was airlifted to a trauma center.

On October 3rd, Yosemite National Park submitted a mutual aid request for a missing 36 YOF hiker. The subject had been on a backpacking trip but texted a friend, “Help, I’m lost. 24 Marin SAR members responded to the request, planning to drive up on Friday, camp overnight at a local campground, and spend Saturday night in the field. The subject was located by an NPS helicopter atop a 1,100-foot cliff. A YOSAR member hiked in to lead the subject out. Marin SAR’s response was canceled

On September 12, Marin SAR was requested to assist with a canine rescue in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The dog, Falafel, had escaped her home and had become trapped about 100 feet above the road on a steep hillside. A rescue team was sent up the hill to intercept Falafel, while a rigging team was sent above to deploy an alpine kit for a rappel or lower. A third team was sent to an alternative extraction route. The third team secured an anchor and deployed the alpine kit, attaching a rescuer to a single alpine rope. Falafel was secured into a K-9 harness and attached to the alpine kit rope. Coordinating with GGNRA traffic control, the lane closest to the extraction point was closed, and Falafel was lowered with the attendant. Falafel was reunited with her owner, and the roadway was reopened for park visitors.

At the end of a Rope Operator class, Marin SAR was approached by a woman who had gotten separated from her 10-year-old autistic son. She reported that she and her son had been hiking the Coastal Trail when her son had run ahead. Marin SAR gathered initial information and deployed teams onto the nearby trails. Marin SAR also notified NPS of the incident, initiating a formal request. Once the request was approved, Marin SAR began paging team members, established a command post, and began working remotely to plan and prioritize assignments. As members were arriving, a NPS Ranger located the subject. SAR 4 met the Ranger and the subject, reuniting the subject with his mother.

Twenty Marin SAR members staged at Laurel Dell to assist with Labor Day Weekend PSAR and complete training sessions on radio communication, medical assessment, and trail rescue kits. Marin SAR deployed three ebike teams and five ground teams to conduct preventive search-and-rescue (PSAR) operations. The team assisted with three medical aids that included a heat illness injury and a fall from a bike. Both patients were turned over to the fire department after initial treatment. Teams also assisted a third patient with an ankle injury back to her car from the Cataract trail steps.

Sausalito PD requested Marin SAR's assistance in the search for an 81 YOM. The subject was reported to have dementia. He was reported missing by his wife when she returned home from work. Members mobilized and arrived at the CP by 0830. The remote planning team had written search plans for the areas around the subject’s home and around an airtag ping. An MP flyer was posted on social media, and a Nixle alert was sent to the general public, asking residents to check their yards and vehicles. Additional requests were made for trailing and area K-9s, and FALCON cell phone forensics. At around 1000, a search team located the subject and requested a trail carryout. The subject was located off-trail, in tall grass. Fire Department Paramedics reported to the scene to assist with the carryout and to transfer care to a waiting ambulance.

Humboldt County requested a remote planning team for a missing hiker last seen on August 25th by her partner. After searching through the night, the family requested help from the sheriff's office early on August 26th. Marin team members built a comprehensive search plan in less than an hour, including two dozen search segments and a complete IAP. That afternoon, the subject was found in good condition.

On Sunday, August 24th, Tuolumne requested searchers from Marin SAR to assist with a search for a missing 85 YOF. The subject had been reported missing early Saturday morning. Tuolumne initiated their search on Saturday and continued searching on Sunday with county resources. Sunday afternoon, Tuolumne requested mutual aid. Marin SAR immediately supported the search with a remote planning team. As Marin worked on planning, a citizen had located her dog and slippers. Deputies quickly responded to the area and located the subject alive, but in need of rescue. Tuolumne SAR completed the rescue, and the mutual aid request was canceled.

The Marin County US&R Regional Task Force was requested to assist with ongoing investigations at the direction of San Rafael PD, the Fire Investigation Team, and ATF regarding missing subjects and evidence, supporting a multi-jurisdictional investigation. MSAR deployed four RTF-1 members on day two, and one RTF-1 member on day three.

Marin SAR members assigned to the Marin County US&R Regional Task Force were deployed to assist with stabilization and search-and-rescue efforts following a large structure fire. At the direction of San Rafael PD, Fire Investigation Team, and ATF, assignments related to missing subjects and evidence to support a multi-jurisdictional investigation were completed.

On August 21, 2025, Marin SAR was requested to assist the North Bay Incident Management Team by helping assemble the IAP and prepare for the morning Operations briefing at CalFire LNU headquarters. Additional members arrived and provided support with checking in resources the following morning at the Napa County Fairgrounds.

Placer County requested Type 1 searchers to aid a search for a missing 51-year-old male who had reported he was off trail and lost on 12/18. Placer County located his vehicle. Additionally, two cellphone pings were identified, and a drone near a river made a potential subject match. On OP2, nineteen MSAR type 1 members were deployed into the field. Assignments were challenging with extreme vegetation, terrain, and high temperatures. Assignments were completed, searchers were released, and two members remained at the scene for OP3. No new clues were located during OP2. Marin sent eight additional members for OP3. Assignments were complicated, requiring rappelling, bushwhacking, and constant navigation. As teams worked to complete their assignments, the Placer County Dive Team was hoisted to the area of the original drone sighting. The subject was soon located and identified as the MP. The subject was helicopter-evacuated from the field to the ICP, and resources were released.

A small Marin SAR team returned to the Double Point Cove area on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after an earlier attempt to access the site was unsuccessful. In coordination with NPS, members hiked in from Wildcat Beach to the rappel location. The team set a picket anchor on the cliff edge, and two members rappelled down to search the area while two others remained on top of the cliff to maintain communications and safety. Late into the search, a member located remains. Members carefully documented the scene and collected remains. Due to dense fog and difficult terrain, additional SAR members and equipment were requested to help expedite the carryout. Members ascended a 400-foot cliff and hiked several miles to the trailhead to meet NPS rangers and the coroner.

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, NPS requested Marin SAR to assist in locating remains on the coastline near Wildcat Beach, Double Point, Alemerre Falls, and Bolinas. The request followed an incident on August 13, 2025, in which Stinson Beach Lifeguards were contacted by surfers who had discovered human remains on a rocky beach below Double Point. The lifeguards accessed the beach and located additional remains. Forty-two members responded to the search, with 38 deploying into the field. A team attempted to reach the beach below Double Point but was unable to gain access due to cliffs and dense vegetation.

NPS GGNRA requested that Marin SAR search for a missing 17-year-old who was last known to be in the area of Kirby Cove. Members arrived on the scene within 20 minutes and established unified command with the US Park Police and the National Park Service. After a briefing from NPS Rangers and the US Park Police, Marin SAR requested additional resources, including Southern Marin Fire's jet skis, five K-9 teams, and the Marin County Sheriff’s UAV team. Concurrently, remote plans developed over a dozen search assignments. Southern Marin Fire deployed two jet skis and fire boat Liberty, and a USCG lifeboat and helicopter searched the surf zone. The focus was on a set of cliff bands west of Kirby Cove. Two hours into the search, the subject was unfortunately located deceased. SAR members assisted with the recovery.

On August 8, 2025, Marin SAR deployed six searchers to Plumas County to search for a missing 41-year-old man. The subject had been missing since August 3, 2025, and was thought to be despondent. The team departed the cache and camped the night at a local fairground. Marin Searchers were split into two teams, each using a different search tactic during the search operation for the missing subject. The first team completed a 92-acre area search, and the second team conducted an area search with a K9 team. In OP6 on Sunday, August 9th, four Marin SAR members assisted with overhead support, while the rest of the searchers were split into five teams: three focusing on large-area assignments, one on the UTV assignment, and the final team searching a drainage. During the search, a Marin team located numerous tracks below the missing person's vehicle and LKP, while the team searching the drainage located tracks within it. No other clues were located, and members were released.

The Marin County Fire Department requested Marin SAR's assistance with a technical rescue for two males stranded on Elephant Rock. Initially, it appeared that heavy fog would prevent a helicopter from operating, requiring a ground-based rescue. Sonoma Henry 1 found a gap in the fog, successfully rescued the two subjects, and resources were canceled.

Marin SAR was requested to assist YOSAR in the extrication of a lost hiker around Old Oak Flat Road Trail. The subject went on a day hike but became separated from his party, became disoriented, and ended up off-trail with an injured ankle, unable to walk. The subject contacted 911 and was connected to YOSAR, who directed him to a safe place to stay for the night. A nighttime operation to retrieve the subject was considered, but given the subject's location and the equipment he had on hand, the rescue was postponed until morning. Resources were deployed to the Hodgton Meadow Campground and then into the drainage. Upon arrival, the subject reported that his ankle injury had improved and that he was able to walk out with assistance. Marin SAR assisted the patient in walking down the trail and was released shortly after.

Solano County requested Mutual Aid for an evidence search relating to an officer-involved shooting. Solano County specifically requested metal detectors as the search area was an overgrown lot. Two members of Marin SAR responded. Napa, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties also responded to this request.

On Saturday, June 28, Marin SAR was requested by CalOES to support Operational Period 8 of a search in the San Gabriel Mountains. The missing woman was reportedly a fit hiker in her 60s who was last seen a week prior and separated from her hiking partners on the trail. The only clue located was off-trail near her last known point. Marin deployed 14 type 1 members with technical gear to tackle remote assignments, which required insertion by Blackhawk and LA County Sheriff’s Super Puma helicopters. Teams search several technical drainages. By 7:00 PM, all teams were hoisted from the field and returned to CP. Search operations are suspended and the case has been moved to limited-continious. Teams from across California supported this extended search mission.

Marin SAR responded to a search for a missing 9-year-old with autism. The subject was reported to be nonverbal and a possible flight risk. There was a considerable public search effort in response to Nixle notifications and social media. A neighbor later located the subject after being asked to search her backyard. A team of Marin and Contra Costa members was deployed to the scene. The MP was down a steep embankment, standing in a creek bed. After gaining access by cutting a fence, an officer carried the child to his mother. The mother declined additional care. The child and the mother were transported from the scene by law enforcement. All resources were released.

On the morning of June 16, 2025, Marin SAR was requested by Marin County Fire to assist with a carryout for remains located at Pirates Cove Beach. Eleven SAR members were dispatched to the Muir Beach Parking Lot. The team deployed from the parking lot to the trailhead junction at the Coastal Trail and Coastal Fire Road, then hiked to the scene, where they met fire resources and assisted with the carryout, which had about 500 feet of elevation gain. Members assisted the coroner before being released.

On Sunday, June 1, while attending a training in Ukiah, Marin SAR shifted its focus to a search in Irmulco, California. The subject, a 37-year-old tourist from Nebraska, had gone on a hike with her dog on Saturday morning but failed to return. Upon arriving at the ICP, Marin promptly deployed three teams into the field. A Mendocino team discovered a clue: a layer from a rubber-soled shoe bearing the word “help,” written next to it, and an arrow pointing down a trail. Additional resources were deployed to the area. Shortly afterward, more clues were discovered. At approximately 19:40, the Mendocino County Sheriff received a call from the MP. She had entered a vacant cabin, found a functioning phone, and called 911. A Marin team was sent with deputies to her location. They conducted a medical assessment of the subject. She was dehydrated and nauseated, but in good condition. The Marin team remained with the subject until an ambulance arrived to transport her to the hospital. By 2100, all teams were out of the field, and the search was officially concluded.

Novato PD requested Marin SAR to assist in locating a missing 71-year-old woman reported by her family after they could not find her in their home. The subject had previously gone missing but was located by Novato PD. The subject was reported to have both dementia and schizophrenia and only spoke Spanish. Remote planning began immediately after the request. Team members deployed to an ICP set up by Novato PD. Seven teams were deployed into the field. Shortly after, Novato PD located a woman matching the subject’s description. Marin SAR received notice of a positive ID, and the search was suspended.

Nine Marin SAR members assisted BAMRU in a search for a 79 YOF, who has been missing since 05/01/2025. The objective served as training while addressing gaps in track and segments from previous efforts. Members were equipped with wildland turnouts and PPE as the search assignments contained large amounts of poison oak and dense terrain. While members searched, drones were deployed to search larger areas overhead.. Decon stations were provided at the CP. No clues were located during this search.

On Sunday, May 18, eight Marin SAR members resumed searching for OP7 in the search for the missing 79YOF. Marin was tasked with conducting a rapid search on fire roads and trails on private property. Each team diligently searched for several hours but found no significant clues. In the afternoon, Marin continued their search efforts on e-bikes and used drones to expand their search area. After a passerby shared information about vulture activity in a previously searched region, Marin conducted a final search of a small area. However, despite their efforts, no significant clues were discovered. Search efforts were concluded.

On Tuesday, May 6th, Marin SAR responded to OP6 with 15 members., Searchers focused on searching segments with limited track coverage. Assignments included trails near the PLS, and areas that were deemed inaccessible by previous teams due to dense vegetation or tough terrain. A possible sighting was reported in the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, southeast of the search operation. A Marin SAR member established Division Bravo in Russian Ridge, and two Marin teams were deployed into areas near the possible sighting. Assignments included hasty searches of surrounding fire roads and trails, as well as portions of drainages. No clues or leads were discovered in Division B. Meanwhile, other Marin teams completed assignments closer to the PLS in areas with a high POD. No clues were found during OP6, and the subject remains missing. The San Mateo Sheriff’s Office converted the search into a Limited Continuous Search phase.

On Monday, May 5th, Marin SAR resumed searching for the missing 79YOF in San Mateo. Several agencies contributed to this search effort alongside Marin and San Mateo. Including Placer, Tuolumne, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Yolo, CALSAR, Santa Clara, CARDA, Merced, Butte, Nevada, and Contra Costa, searchers focused on the terrain on both sides of Skyline Blvd and areas around the PLS. Additionally, several dog teams were deployed into the field. Assignments varied from moderate to extreme terrain, with substantial poison oak in most areas. No significant clues were found in OP5.

Marin SAR continued to aid San Mateo with mutual aid on Sunday, May 5th, for OP4 of the search effort. Marin SAR contributed 22 members, including remote plans. Searchers continued their efforts in areas around the PLS and a possible sighting. Trailing dogs continued to establish a direction of travel from either location, and camera footage was reviewed to eliminate negative sightings and directions of travel. Assignment terrain was diverse, with some teams searching in drainages and others in neighborhoods. No significant clues were found at the end of OP4.

On Saturday, April 3rd, Marin SAR continued supporting the search effort, supplying 31 Marin SAR members to assist with the operation. Searchers focused on areas around the PLS, including trails and linear terrain features. Trailing dogs were deployed to attempt to obtain a direction of travel, both at the PLS and at the location of the previous possible sighting. Search teams also completed searches of the areas surrounding the reported sighting, and trail and gate camera footage were reviewed. Assignment terrain was greatly varied from neighborhood searches to moderate brush to extreme drainages.. No significant clues were found at the end of OP3

Marin SAR arrived Friday, May 2nd, with 27 members to support San Mateo’s search efforts for a missing 79 YOF, who had gone missing on Thursday, May 1st. The subject was described to be in good condition, but reportedly experiencing short-term memory loss. Marin SAR joined San Mateo, BAMRU, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Alameda, CARDA, and CALSAR teams for a 0700 briefing. Marin SAR members assisted in Plans and Operations, deploying nearly 100 searchers and. completed a variety of assignments, including searching extremely difficult terrain and searching door-to-door of residences located nearby. Searchers encountered large amounts of poison oak, especially in assignments off trail. one clue was obtained during this search, a possible sighting shortly after the subject was reported missing. Marin SAR members also contributed to remote planning during this search.

During Marin SAR bootcamp, on Saturday, April 26th, MMWD requested Marin SAR support for a possible trail rescue near Cataract Trail. 10 Marin SAR members responded to the callout. Once Marin SAR arrived at the trailhead, the team was informed that the subject was walking down the trail, supported by Marin County Fire and an MMWD ranger. Marin SAR’s response was cancelled.

On Friday, April 25th, Marin SAR was requested to respond to a trail rescue for a 70 YOF who sustained a 30-foot fall on the Cataract Trail. Marin SAR responded with Marin County and Ross Valley Fire, with additional help from MMWD rangers and CHP H-30. Two rescue plans were created for the operation. The first plan involved hoisting a helicopter rescue technician (HRT) to package and hoist the patient out. The second plan was to perform a carry-out if the hoist was unsuccessful. When firefighters arrived on scene, the patient was alert and oriented but complained of several injuries she had sustained during the fall. Firefighters attempted to hoist the patient into the helicopter, but the effort was unsuccessful. Marin SAR transitioned to a carry-out. The patient was packaged, and the injuries were treated. Marin SAR completed the carryout in 40 minutes to an ambulance at the trailhead.

On Saturday, April 19th, Marin SAR resumed search operations under unified command with NPS and MCSO for the missing 37 YOM.. That morning, Marin SAR established a new ICP at Battery Rathbone. Marin SAR utilized two search strategies for OP3: technical rope searching off cliff sides and deploying K9 teams in areas surrounding the MP’s vehicle. The technical rope search group set up two vortex systems to lower searchers along the cliff sides of Battery Rathbone and check for signs of the subject. No significant clues were located by the technical rope search teams. Marin SAR deployed HRD K9’s as a second search tactic. K9 teams reported thick brush and hazardous terrain, which prevented them from completing their assigned search areas. Teams were reassigned to areas along the Coastal Trail with little to no track coverage by previous ground searchers. Nothing significant was located by K9 teams. Search operations were concluded at the end of OP3. Rohnert Park Police Department is continuing the investigation.

Marin SAR continued search efforts for the missing 37 YOM, Friday, April 18th. NPS, MCSO, and Marin SAR remained in a unified command. Resources for this search effort included Marin SAR ground searchers, the Marin Sheriff’s UAV team, NPS lifeguards on rescue watercraft, NPS law enforcement rangers, MCSO investigations, aerial support from the CHP, and both aerial and water support from the U.S. Coast Guard. Search efforts for OP2 were focused on possible clues obtained in OP1, including a possible sighting and a possible K9 scent trail. Early in this search, a team encountered an uncooperative male who matched the missing subject’s description in a vacant building on Hill 88. However, law enforcement confirmed that this was not the missing subject. Additional search efforts by UAVs and aerial resources located no clues. A mutual aid request was made to CALOES for K9s for OP3. Marin SAR obtained 5 K9s for the next OP. Search operations for OP2 were completed with negative results.

Marin SAR was requested by the National Park Service on Thursday, April 17th, to assist with a search for a missing 37 YOM. The subject was reported missing by his partner on Monday, April 14th, after he left home and did not return. A thorough investigation determined that the subject’s vehicle had entered the Marin Headlands on Tuesday, April 15th. The subject’s vehicle was searched, identifying personal items. A forensic analysis of his cellphone created a timeline of the subject’s travel, but did not identify any locations of interest. SAR members arrived on scene and established a command post. Remote planning had already been completed, and members were deployed immediately to conduct hasty searches of assignments near the subject’s vehicle, searching trails and cliff bands. Marin County Sheriff’s Office deployed its UAV to search the cliffside below and around Rathbone. USCG and Southern Marin Fire supported the search by searching the coast via RWC and a boat. Additionally, Marin SAR requested two trailing K9s and deployed E-bike teams. NPS received a tip about a sighting that matched the subject’s description by Battery Towsley. A second OP was planned for the next day.

On Saturday, April 12th, Marin SAR was requested by the National Park Service to assist with a search for a missing autistic 11 YOM, who had last been seen at the Muir Woods Visitor Center. Rangers had completed a hasty search of the main trail and canopy loop with no finds. Shortly after the request, the subject was located, and the search request was cancelled.

On Friday, April 11th, and Saturday, April 12th, Marin SAR supported two cold case searches in Manchester, Mendocino County. This was a mutual aid search with participation from BAMRU, CALSAR, and Mendocino County Search and Rescue teams. One search was for a missing 26 YOF who has been missing since 2015. The other was a case from 2024, for a missing 37 YOM.. Using clues and information from previous search efforts, Marin SAR deployed 14 teams into the field by 0930 Saturday morning. The search areas consisted of both thick brush and sand dunes. Despite the challenging terrain, many searchers were able to conduct thorough searches of their assigned areas. This search produced no significant clues, but cleared large areas and provided opportunities for new management members to practice in a real search situation. Participants in this class created the IAP and search plans and gained real-world experience in managing search operations

On Saturday, April 12th, Air Patrol flights were scheduled, with two Marin SAR members designated to act as spotters. Before deployment, San Rafael PD advised that the subject was located deceased in the area where he was last known to be.

Marin SAR resumed search efforts on Wednesday, April 9, using side-scan sonar to search all high-probability areas. No new clues were found. Safety concerns were identified in areas under the bridge due to strong currents and poor access, preventing the Marin County Sheriff’s Dive Team from conducting searches in those areas. On Friday, April 11th, two Marin SAR members acted as spotters with the Sheriff’s Air Patrol in Air One for three hours. No significant clues were located.

Marin SAR assisted in a search for a missing subject on Tuesday, April 8th, during ongoing search efforts coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The subject was last seen near the West end of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge near the commuter parking lot. The subject’s vehicle was located, along with other clues. Marin SAR established an Incident Command Post at the Marin Rod and Gun Club. Alameda County Sheriff’s Tow Fish side scan sonar was utilized to conduct an underwater search in high-probability areas. Marin SAR also conducted a shoreline search in the surrounding areas, but produced no other clues.

On Tuesday, March 4th, Marin SAR provided continued support for the missing 72 YOM. Marin SAR supplied eight members who joined teams from Mendocino, CALSAR, Humboldt, Sonoma, and Napa. Marin SAR was divided into two ground teams and one E-bike team. While searching, the subject was located deceased by a CALSAR team in a deep drainage. Marin SAR redeployed as a recovery team. The recovery took two hours, with teams needing to chainsaw, opening up an old road to access the victim's location. All teams were released after an after-action review.

On Monday, March 3rd, Marin SAR was notified about a missing 72 YOM last seen at his residence in Mendocino. He was reported to be in good health but had dementia. Marin responded to this mutual aid request, supplying 34 members. Marin SAR was organized into nine teams, including three e-bike teams which searched fire roads, logging roads, trails, and drainages to the north and south, which were partially searched.. Many sightings were reported, though few could be considered confident. No clues were discovered, and resources were requested for the next day.

Marin SAR was called to assist in the search for a missing 12-year-old female. While hiking, a family consisting of a mother and a set of twins, a boy and a girl, became separated. After some time apart, the son hiked back to their car and called 911. Rangers initiated a hasty search and were able to promptly locate the mother. However, after clearing the trail without finding the daughter, they requested support from SAR.. As the SAR team responded, several additional members worked on remote planning. Shortly after, a ranger located the missing girl in good condition. Marin SAR’s response was then cancelled

Marin SAR was notified of a missing 42-year-old male in Lake County. The subject’s partner had been located the previous night in severe distress. The missing individual was believed to still be in the area and experiencing mental impairment. The Lake County Sheriff's Office requested immediate mutual aid to clear the area before a large storm arrived. While members were en route, Marin SAR began remote planning and mapping efforts. However, before arrival, the subject was located deceased by Lake County deputies, and Marin SAR’s response was cancelled.

Marin SAR deployed one USAR team member to support the Marin County US&R Regional Task Force 1 during the LA Fires. The member was embedded and deployed with RTF1 for 12 days. The primary mission was to identify and secure human remains.

San Rafael Police requested Marin SAR for a missing 26-year-old male, last seen on January 21st, leaving his home on his bicycle without his phone or wallet. Based on investigative leads, Marin SAR focused efforts on San Pedro Ridge, where he had recently shared a photo with friends. Three K-9 teams were deployed, followed by approximately 45 searchers split into 12 ground teams, searching rugged terrain with support from Marin County Open Space Rangers. No clues were located. The case remains under investigation with San Rafael PD.

Marin SAR was notified that State Park and NPS Rangers were searching for two missing 16-year-old males and a dog in Samuel P Taylor State Park. Cell phone locator texts were attempted, though both showed as undelivered. A remote planning team created a Caltopo map and began strategizing search efforts. Shortly thereafter, rangers made voice contact with the missing subjects, who were uninjured and able to walk to a UTV. Marin SAR was released.