Mother’s Handwritten Notes Lead to Rescue of Stranded Pair in Remote California Wilderness

A mother and her young son were saved after becoming lost in a Californian forest, made possible by quick thinking, a handwritten message, and timely intervention by rescuers. 

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, when what began as a routine training exercise for the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Team evolved into an actual rescue mission within the challenging landscape near Spicer Reservoir.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m., Calaveras County Dispatch received a report concerning a 49-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son who were missing after a trip to Camp Wolfeboro. The duo had departed from Sacramento the previous day but had since become unresponsive – no phone calls, no text messages, and no check-ins, as detailed by the informant. 

Concerned for their safety, a deputy was immediately sent to investigate. Fortunately, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team was already training nearby and quickly joined the search.

Members from the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team located and rescued a mother and her young child after they got lost in a forest.  (Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office )

After broadcasting “emergency traffic” on the HAM radio, their call was immediately answered by a retired El Dorado County Communications Supervisor who was a HAM Operator monitoring frequencies from his home.

“This HAM operator then contacted the El Dorado 911 center, which provided the information to Calaveras Dispatch, and the SAR command post was notified,” officials said. 

Rescuers used recovery equipment to free the family’s vehicle and safely escorted them back to the command post, where they were reunited with anxious loved ones.

Officials said that the rescue mission revealed just how quickly technology can fail in remote areas. 

Authorities later revealed that the mother had been following a GPS route that diverted her onto remote backroads. When the signal dropped, the pair became disoriented deep in the forest.

Despite the dangerous circumstances, officials said the duo made several smart decisions that contributed to their safe rescue. They left notes at intersections, used hazard lights at night, and relied on basic survival skills. Notably, the young boy used a whistle in short bursts to help signal their location, officials said. 

Authorities highlighted that their most important move was informing someone of their itinerary and expected return, critical information that helped launch the timely rescue.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com