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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 24, 2026Hillsborough

California Highway Patrol rescues two climbers near Big Sur using aerial hoist

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) rescued two climbers stranded on a steep slope near Hurricane Point, north of Big Sur, after they became trapped 600 feet below the roadway. Rescuers utilized a specialized helicopter hoist maneuver to extract both individuals individually due to the inaccessible terrain.

emergency servicespublic safetysearch and rescueCalifornia Highway Patrol
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Why It Matters

This incident highlights the specialized aerial rescue capabilities of the California Highway Patrol and the inherent risks associated with recreational climbing in the rugged Big Sur coastal region.

Key Facts

  • Two climbers were rescued after becoming stranded on a steep slope near Hurricane Point.
  • The climbers were located approximately 600 feet below the roadway.
  • The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Air Operations unit from Paso Robles performed the rescue.
  • Rescuers used a specialized helicopter hoist maneuver to extract the climbers.
  • The rescue was performed in two separate trips, extracting one climber at a time.
  • No major complications or injuries were reported during the operation.
  • CHP officials stated that such high-risk aerial rescues are infrequent and require specialized training.

Who's Mentioned

locationHurricane Point“Location of the rescue incident.”locationBig Sur“General area of the incident.”other600“Distance in feet below the road where climbers were stranded.”locationPaso Robles“Base of the CHP air unit.”organizationCalifornia Highway Patrol“Conducted the aerial rescue operation.”