Two boys who went out on a hike and became lost Monday on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve were rescued with help from deputies stationed out of Lake Elsinore.
According to a report from Sgt. Nathan Kaas of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station, the two boys, both aged 15, were reported missing Monday night to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team by the Murrieta Police Department.
The juveniles started hiking from the City of Murrieta, hiked for several miles onto the Plateau, and became lost as nightfall approached, according to Kaas.
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"Deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s station responded and assumed control of coordinating the search effort," according to the sergeant's report.
The Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit was contacted and responded to assist in the search.
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The boys were eventually found in mountainous terrain with little to no trails, according to Kaas's report.
"RMRU volunteers provided the juveniles with water and food before hiking them to safety. The juveniles, who were not injured, were reunited with their families," the sergeant's report continued.
"The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds hikers that wilderness areas present many dangers and preparation is important when planning a hike," Kaas added. "We ask hikers to have a plan, carry a compass, extra water, a light, and appropriate clothing for the climate."
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