Air and Marine Operations rescues two stranded hikers in Arizona desert

TUCSON, Ariz. — Air and Marine Operations (AMO), an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, conducted a life-saving rescue Thursday in the rugged Tucson Mountains, airlifting two elderly U.S. citizens suffering from severe dehydration.

The Tucson Air Branch received an urgent request from the National Park Service to assist a search and rescue team responding to the distressed hikers. An AMO UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, crewed by highly trained hoist-qualified agents, was deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, Pima County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue deputies informed the aircrew that the hikers were experiencing severe cramps and extreme fatigue, rendering them unable to continue their hike. Given the challenging terrain, the aircrew determined that a hoist extraction was the safest and most efficient means of evacuation.

An AMO emergency medical technician and rescue specialist were lowered to the hikers, where they provided medical assessments and secured the individuals for extraction.

Following multiple hoist operations, the hikers were safely transported to awaiting Pima County Sheriff’s Office personnel and National Park Service rangers near the trailhead, where they received further medical care.

AMO’s aircrews routinely conduct search and rescue operations, leveraging their specialized training and equipment to assist local, state, and federal partners in critical missions.

AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Click here for video of the incident.

For more information on Air and Marine Operations, visit www.cbp.gov or follow AMO on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.