Woodside Search

On Nov 14th, BAMRU responded to a missing person alert in Woodside. 17 members attended the search. The subject was successfully located and recovered by litter and was in the care of paramedics within 40 minutes of discovery.

Spruce Grove Search

On September 25, BAMRU of San Mateo County Sheriff's Office received word of an ongoing search for 72 year old missing hunter in the Mendocino national forest area in rugged terrain above 5,500’. Gene Penaflor had disappeared during a hunting trip the day before. He and his partner agreed to meet for lunch and the had split up to walk down two different ridges. Unfortunately, Gene never met his partner, and was reported missing later that day. Seven members of BAMRU/SMCSO responded to the call out, and met with Mendocino county search and rescue at 8:30am on Thursday the 26th. The search continued until Saturday, with 13 BAMRU/SMCSO members attending on Friday, and a total of 14 on Saturday.

The Searchers Prepare

Accessing the site was quite challenging: it required a multi-hour drive on dirt roads from Ukiah following the drive up from the bay area. Thankfully our hosts were incredibly helpful, which made the process substantially easier.

Making Maps

Once on scene BAMRU/SMCSO was honored to be able to help coordinate a significant part of the effort to locate Mr. Penaflor, including analyzing the map of the area and using information from Mr. Penaflor's hunting partner to plan the search assignments for the weekend. The terrain was very rugged but the search teams all worked together seamlessly to cover a very large area over the course of the four day search, we were very grateful for the incredible professionalism and hard work of all of the teams involved. With great sadness we were all forced to leave on Saturday night by an incoming bad weather front and a total absence of clues. We always hate leaving searches without any result, and so an early end to the search was very hard on all of the teams involved.

Thankfully, two weeks later on Saturday October 12th, a full 18 days after Gene Penaflor went missing, BAMRU/SMCSO was invited back to Mendocino to assist with a follow up search. Eight BAMRU/SMCSO members were able to attend, although none of us expected the result that followed. At 08:30am Gene Penaflor, still alive and sheltering near a creek not far from where he fell, was able to get the attention of a group of hunters passing near by. When the hunters found him, he reported that he had not been able to eat for three days and was incredibly weak. They were able to use their sweaters to make a stretcher and carry him to a nearby clearing. They also called 911, and we were able to use their GPS coordinates to locate them, and find Gene.

The members of BAMRU/SMCSO were privileged to be able to assist with the care and extrication of Mr. Penaflor. We are very grateful to the hunters who found him for their assistance in the hauling of the stretcher to the helicopter landing zone, where Mr. Penaflor could be air-lifted to Ukiah Valley Medical Center. We are also incredibly grateful to all of the other search teams involved, their professionalism and expertise was instrumental to the success of this recovery. Mr. Penaflor was treated for minor injuries and released to his family the next day.

Ready For the Rescue

It is truly amazing that Gene Penaflor was able to survive for so long alone in the wilderness. He reported that he was able to shoot squirrels and other small game, and that he cooked algae from the nearby stream to stay alive. To stay warm he insulated himself with packed leaves and grasses and made a small fire. When it rained or snowed he crawled under a large log to keep dry.

On Our Way!

Carrying Gene Penaflor to the Helicopter Landing Zone

Off to the Hospital

An important element of this story is that during the initial four day search Mr. Penaflor used his camp fire to burn wet leaves and produce smoke in an effort to signal the CHP helicopter that was flying overhead assisting with the search. He did this during two full days of the search, but the helicopter was unable to see him. Members of the public are often unaware of how incredibly difficult it is to see small objects - such as people or campfires - from a helicopter flying over an expansive and thickly forested landscape. In this case, the wind was strong enough to blow away most of the smoke, and the crew of the helicopter could see nothing.

We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of this search, and very happy that Mr. Penaflor is out of the hospital and doing well now. The members of BAMRU/SMCSO were truly privileged to be able to assist with the care and extrication of Mr. Penaflor, and we hope that other searches can all have such a happy outcome, although preferably with much less time in between the disappearance and the recovery.

Challenging Search in Pacifica

Over the past few days, BAMRU has been involved in a challenging search for a missing woman in Pacifica. This was a collaborative and mutual aid based effort from multiple agencies. During the busiest period, there were more than 100 resources deployed in the field.

BAMRU turned out for the first operational period on Wednesday with a team of responders that worked through the night into Thursday that included multiple field and overhead assignments. Follow-on operational periods included mutual aid from across the Bay Area counties and as far as from Placer and Fresno.

Regrettably, the subject is still missing.

More News: Mercury News | ABC News

Santa Clara Mutual Aid

On April 21 BAMRU was called to take part in the 11th operational period of Santa Clara's search for Sierra LaMar, a 15 y/o female. BAMRU was given fairly long assignments, instructed to search to a high POD.  ALCO, Marin, Monterey, and Santa Cruz also participated in the search.

Mori Point Search

On Saturday, March 24th BAMRU was requested for a delayed callout Sunday at Mori Point.

The goal of the operational period was to search some sections of beach that had been inaccessible during previous efforts. A very low tide was predicted for 0705 and we had a very narrow window to accomplish our goals. Volunteer Marines had pointed to a sea cave that they felt should be investigated.

We decided to build a personal rope system to provide access.  Members rappelled into the cove and searched the bottom, but found nothing of interest.

After a short debrief, most members drove to Huddart Park to support the mock search that was the conclusion of BAMRU SAR Basic training weekend.

Skyline Blvd., Clouds Rest Search

At 0254 on Sunday February 12th, BAMRU was paged for an in county search off of Skyline Blvd.

The subjects were two teenagers who had gone for a walk at 2300 hrs. They had subsequently called their parents to alert them that they had become disoriented and estimated themselves to be about 1 mile from the trail head.

Command Post was set up in the back of a truck at the Vista Point trail head on Skyline Blvd by the San Mateo County SAR team. Reports from the subjects' last phone call indicated that they had walked about 200ft from the trail entrance, turned 90 degrees to the right and taken the trail about a mile or so before becoming disoriented and lost. BAMRU team members followed the description of the route in an attempt to find the point last seen and see if they might be hunkered down somewhere nearby. Searchers also searched the area between Skyline and the trail, and along the entire network of trails in the direction which the subjects had traveled. Dog teams were also on scene.

The fog was incredibly dense and it was cold, windy, muddy and wet. Hypothermia was definitely a concern for potentially under-prepared subjects. After searching for approximately two hours with no significant clues or responses to voice calls, we returned to CP. While waiting for the next search assignments, a call came in over the radio that they had been located alive and well. They were at the end of the Alder Spring Trail where they had sought shelter for the night.

We are very happy that the two were uninjured and returned home safe.

Missing Man in Daly City

On Jan 20 @ 0843 BAMRU was paged to direct deploy to CP for a missing man out of Daly City. When we arrived, we had two possible sightings nearby. BAMRU setup the CP and launched hasty searches based on this intel. We also worked closely with Daly City PD who had searched local businesses and notified neighbors.

As the search progressed, we met with the PD investigators who provided a significant amount of additional info that led us to focus our efforts more tightly. The subject was found in a difficult area. The investigation and recovery was turned over to local PD.

BAMRU ran an effective CP and made a difficult find. We our glad to provide closure for this incident. Our condolences go out to friends and family.

Related Links: Pacifica Patch | Lost and Missing | Pacifica Riptide

Pacifica Search

On January 15th, at 0650 BAMRU was called for an in county search for a despondent subject. Eight of our team members deployed to Pacifica. As search teams gathered at the CP, investigators learned that the missing person was possibly located in a another city. The subject was soon found and the search was called off. Thanks to all who deployed into the early morning fog to help this individual.


Thanks to Lucas Marciniak for the write up and to Chris Kanterjiev for being OL.

2011 Year End Summary

2011 Year End Summary:

In 2011 BAMRU participated in 28 missions, logged 2352 human-hours on missions , and 6120 human-hours  (1769 more than last year!) on training, in addition to countless hours which each member logged to enhance personal skills, knowledge, and abilities. We also saw seven membership promotions and reluctantly but proudly let other members go to pursue their dreams.

The team was also able to make a good dent in our fundraising goals thanks to Cal Hoagland and the fundraising committee. We hope to continue this trend in 2012 in order to maintain our readiness which relies on team equipment and skills for our members.  If you would like to help us in this endeavor, you can donate here:  http://www.bamru.info/donate 


Looking forward to a safe and happy 2012!   

San Carlos Search

On Wednesday afternoon, Oct 19th, BAMRU was called to a search in San Carlos. Local residents heard a person with a dog stranded in the bush, and called 911. Police arrived and heard a dog, but could not approach the subject due to steep and difficult terrain.

BAMRU staffed one operational period Wednesday evening, and a follow-on period which started at daybreak on Thursday. Teams from San Mateo SAR, Alameda and Marin joined the search. The subject was not found.

The vegetation in the search area was thick. Following the operation, a BAMRU searcher had to visit the hospital to be treated for a bad case of poison oak.

Thanks to all who attended.

News: San Mateo Patch

Armstrong Redwoods Search

On the evening of Friday, October 7th BAMRU received a page for assistance in locating a missing subject whose vehicle was found parked at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County.  The park is located just outside of Guerneville, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco.

The following morning of Saturday, October 8th BAMRU joined about five other SAR units for an 0830 briefing by Sonoma County SAR.  The missing person was not from the local area and was described as an individual that did not show signs of having trouble at home or at work. 

BAMRU  searched a densely vegetated hillside, that consisted of trees, brush and poison oak.  This search required the team to use their navigational expertise and their familiarity with the use of UTM coordinates as they translate to the map proved extremely useful.

Around noon on the 8th the subject was located near the last point last seen and media reports indicate that it is likely to be deemed a suicide.  Our thoughts and condolences go out to the friends and family.

News: Press Democrat, Sacramento Man Missing In Sonoma Redwoods

Kings Canyon Search

At approximately 0300 on October 1, BAMRU was paged to provide mutual aid support in King's Canyon National Park for a solo hiker who was one week past his planned exit date after an approximately 111 mile journey. 

Our theme of preparedness was not in vain as NPS, who was managing the search, assigned BAMRU to a 72 hour ground search assignment.  The team was transported 50 minutes via NPS helicopter to the start of their assignment where they proceeded to search until sunset before arriving at Evolution Meadow and setting up camp for the evening. 

 

At 0800 on October 2 the team called in via satellite phone and were informed that the subject had walked out under his own power and in good health.  After hearing the good news, BAMRU took the opportunity to do a small training exercise of a fine grid search on their way to the LZ where NPS greeted them once again and returned them to the helibase.

As always, we are grateful for a good outcome and the resources provided by the National Park Service. 

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News: Fresno Bee | Mercury News | ABC News

Huddart Park Find

Last evening BAMRU was called to search for a five year old girl in Huddart Park. She was camping with a large group, and went missing just as darkness fell.

So confusing is the Huddart terrain, so thick its' forest. The search operation included K9 teams, San Mateo SAR, a Helicopter, mounted patrol, and BAMRU.

A dog picked up the scent. Somehow this five year old had gotten to the bottom of a ravine, steep and dark black. Alone there with a green glow stick, she was found, safe and healthy.

"The moment you give a child back to her mother, who never knew if she would see that child again, really makes the early morning trainings, the long slogs thru mud and rain, all worth it." - BAMRU on NPR

News: New York Post | Redwood City Patch | London Daily Mail

Covelo Search

On August 3, 2011, BAMRU was paged to respond to a missing man in the Mendocino National Forest in Trinity County. The search base was the Covelo Forest Service Station with the command post located several hours into the forest via fire roads. The search had been continued via the involvement of Napa Search and Rescue, Marin Search and Rescue, CARDA, and the Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt County Sheriff's Offices.

BAMRU members transported to the Forest Service station late August 3 and caught a few hours of sleep before being transported to the CP. Nothing significant was found during the Thursday search operations. The search continued on Friday, and was concluded with the subject not found at the end of Friday.

The search area was vast and remote. The 3 hour drive to Covelo was easy compared to the 2 1/2 hour off road adventure required to reach the search base. It is often hard to appreciate just how rugged and remote some parts of California are. A relevant book is Ishi - In Two Worlds, which tells the story of a Native American who emerged from the stone age into the modern world in 1911.

Our condolences go out to the subject's family and friends. Thanks to the BAMRU members who participated in the search.

Update: Aug 13 According to Mendocino County Sheriff's Department, the missing man, Martin Dyer was located alive in the Hoxie Crossing area. More information at the Sacramento Bee

Missing Hiker in Portola State Park

On July 7th, a lost 27 YO male contacted his wife via cell phone saying he was lost and needed help. The subject was on a cross country trip from Portola State Park to Big Basin, a rugged and densely forested area in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

SMSAR, BAMRU, and SCU began search operations in early evening. BAMRU team members were given hasty search assignments to flank a tracking dog and handler, drive the valley floor road, climb the trails from the valley floor, and hike the ridge trails to Lane Camp and in the opposite direction (an approximate 11 mile loop).

As day broke, BAMRU crossed paths with a group of lumber company workers who had seen the subject. After that, the Subject was quickly found in good condition, and transported back to awaiting Sheriff Deputies and Park Rangers for their debrief.

It was learned that the Subject was initially without water, disoriented, exhausted, and very confused about the trails / roads along the ridge. Indeed, the terrain was so confusing that our searchers also lost their way from time to time.

Many thanks to our searchers who worked all night, and were able to bring this gentleman home safe and sound.

Amador County Search

On Sunday July 3rd, BAMRU received a mutual aid request from the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) to support Amador County Sheriff’s Office (SO) in the search for a missing woman from Ventura County, California.

Our expertise in search management and steep technical terrain came in handy as we helped to run the search and provided ground resources at a remote area of El Dorado National Forest.

On Monday, July 4th, two days and nights after she was last seen, the woman was located by a California Air National Guard helicopter, just after dropping off a BAMRU team at their search assignment.

The National Guard team tended to the subject before returning her to the Command Post for further medical evaluation and imminent reunion with her family.

BAMRU was honored to be able to support our neighbors in Amador County in this important operation.

Links: California Air National Guard | Camarillo hiker found safe | Crowd welcomes rescued hiker | ANG Photos | Area Map

Golden Gate Search

On Tuesday, May 24th BAMRU was called for a Mutual Aid search in the vicinity of the Golden Gate and SF Presidio. The subject was a missing 15 year old girl from Danville.

BAMRU sent a team for one operational period Tuesday evening. We had another team ready for a follow-on period Wednesday, but the search was called off.

Media reports indicate that the girl may have committed suicide.

Our thoughts go out to the missing girl's family. Thanks to BAMRU members to participated in the search.

News: Danville Patch | KTVU

Missing Student Found

On Thursday May 5, BAMRU was paged for a mutual aid search in Annadel State Park, Sonoma County. The subject was a 19 year old male. Suicide notes had been found both at his home and college residence, and a hand gun was missing from his home.

BAMRU had teams in the field for an operational period that started Friday at 0600, and completed search assignments together with responders from Cal-ESAR and Marin SAR.

BAMRU returned for a second operational period on Saturday at 0600, and was paired with a CARDA dog team. After a 2 mile hike to the start of the search assignment, the dog found the subject's body.

Our team secured the area, and reported the find to CP. Post-find coordination was largely done by cell phone. BAMRU secured a helicopter LZ, and police investigators were flown in. Then BAMRU returned to CP for debriefing.

Wildlife was abundant during this search. BAMRU members saw deer, jack rabbits, wild turkey, lizards, geese, and turkey vultures. In separate incidents, members nearly stepped on a sleeping young fawn and a rattle snake. A non BAMRU team reported seeing a mountain lion chasing a deer. Wildflowers and scenery were at their best.

Many thanks to our members, who put in long hours and worked professionally. Our condolences to the student's family for their tragic loss.

News articles: Missing SSU Student | Student's Car Found | Student's Body Found

San Carlos Search

On 4/14/11, 1755 BAMRU responded to an in-county callout for an 82-year-old female with dementia missing from her San Carlos hills residence. She was last seen at 1400 and had past history of walking away. Her direction of travel was unknown.

Temporary CP was at the San Carlos police station and we got the ball rolling by setting up an overhead team. After a team briefing, 4 dog teams and several ground teams were deployed. BAMRU was assigned a hasty search in the open space canyon behind the houses.

As the sun was going down, the subject was located in a nearby neighborhood. And in a interesting twist, a second report came in for a missing man that was thought to be searching for the original subject in the caynon behind the houses (our search area). The description, of the missing man was immediately recognized by one of the search teams and he was located shortly after on the sidewalk. All subjects returned to their home safely.

Big Thanks for all those who responded. We had a cool assignment and once again the CP gear was helpful.

Devil's Canyon Search

On April 9th at 8pm BAMRU was requested to search for a missing 24 year old woman who had been reported missing in the Devil's Canyon area of southern San Mateo County. She was described as having some backcountry experience, but not dressed for nightime temps that dropped to the 30's/40's. (leggings/light shirt/flip-flops).

BAMRU searched a cave entrance was near the top of a 40' waterfall. We dropped rope and rappelled to search the pools below. Other teams searched upstream and downstream in Type 2 terrain. Later in the night BAMRU responded to investigate potential clues, rappelling waterfall areas where the missing subject could have fallen.

At daybreak the subject was found when she hiked out and found a local residence. She was cold, scratched, and had lost her flip-flops, but was in good health.

There were a lot of interesting aspects of this search. We used our tracking skills to follow tracks. We built two technical systems and used a lot of personal rope skills. We also assisted with plans and some CP work.

Media Coverage: Mercury News