Missing 'Outward Bound' hikers found safe in Kings Canyon

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By Jon Brent

Story Published: Jun 24, 2008 at 9:42 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 26, 2008 at 1:32 AM EST

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Parents are praising the Fresno County Sheriff's Department as they report that 11 hikers, 9 teenagers and 2 adult guides, who were missing in the Sierra National Forest for 3 days have been found safe and sound. At 3pm on Wednesday...one of the Searchers confirmed that a hiker called an official with backpacking company "Outward Bound" from the Florence Lake Store to say they were all okay.
The Hikers separated from the group leader and he called the Sheriff's department after they failed to rendezvous and the appointed time.
The Hikers were brought back to their base camp at Courtwright Reservoir where the Teens were reunited with their parents.
Jon Brent reports...

View Oldest Comments First

Sunday, Jul 6 at 9:43 PM Daisy wrote ...

I have participated in several Outward Bound courses and although very challenging and demanding,I always felt safe. OB teaches you the skills you need to survive and find your way. Iam sure that the TEAM felt safe because they had the tools and each other!

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 2:44 PM Nina Seavey wrote ...

My son got back in May from 81 days in the wilderness on Outward Bound. I never for a minute worried about their care for his safety. Outward Bound is all about testing yourself in the wilderness and incidents can happen - as they can in city life - but he came back from his expedition an astonishing competent, capable, independent and focused person. Outward Bound is the absolute gold standard.

Friday, Jun 27 at 6:08 PM Lessthan4 wrote ...

My child lost a leg on an Outward Bound trip. Safety is NOT their paramount concern.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 7:52 PM Kim wrote ...

My son is also on that trip and after hearing that everyone is fina and accounted for I will sleep easy. Outward Bound is a TOP NOTCH group, I have worked for them on many occasions and rest assure that safety is a paramount concern to all involved with the organization

Thursday, Jun 26 at 7:24 AM Randy B. wrote ...

Take it easy again, WCH and Anonymous above. This is difficult terrain and a Sat phone is merely a tool and can also fail. OB has a good record of overall safety-this is not terrible.There's as assumption of risk in any wilderness activity.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 9:33 PM Sheyl wrote ...

All's well that ends well! Outward Bound officials have been incredibly forthcoming with the calls to those at home concerned. Surely there is some protocol revision to make but i would send my children again with the Outward Bound Wilderness teams.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 6:50 PM Ricky wrote ...

wow

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 5:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

this is terrible, why wasn't anyone notified sooner?

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 5:07 PM SBP wrote ...

Sounds like it is "the trip of a lifetime"!!

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:33 PM Mark wrote ...

They probably don't even know they're "lost". They probably think the dude with the sat phone is the missing one.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What I do not understand according to other reports, why did the leader of the group seperate from the group alone with the only satlelite communications devise? Why did he wait two days to report them missing? In my opinion very unprofessional and ingnorant.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:26 PM Andrea wrote ...

I'm sure they are liberals, and I'm sure they are fine. Will probably be embarassed by all the attention. These people are highly trained, and quite able to take care of themselves.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:18 PM MST wrote ...

They may have a hard time attracting attention with a fire, given the ambient smoke. But they should be fine up there for at least a week. Plenty of water around...

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:01 PM Rob Greathouse wrote ...

My 15 year old niece is part of the group. We'd really appreciate positive thoughts instead of the snide comment above......Check your attitude at the door pal!

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:00 PM CC wrote ...

Take it easy WCH. My sister is one of the leaders in the missing group, and I am certain that they are safe. The area is difficult to navigate, but they will be found alive and well. Until that happens, keep your negativity to yourself.

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 11:55 AM WCH wrote ...

The leaders are probably liberals. Afraid to light a signal fire, or kill for food. They are a ll doomed.

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