SD Sheriff's chopper rescues three climbers stuck on El Cap
Apr 21, 2026
Three mountain climbers stuck on the face of El Capitan in El Monte Park in Lakeside put out a call for help just after 2 p.m. Monday afternoon.
First-responders said one of the climbers called 911 for a rescue at the county park after reporting being stuck on the mountain. The trio was located a
bout 100 feet from the base of El Cap.
The county’s ASTREA chopper, which arrived on scene around 2:45 p.m. and lowered a rescuer to the ground, then went to refuel. The rescue helicopter returned a short while later and airlifted the trio to a nearby park. The climbers were spotted walking off after their rescue.
No injuries were reported according to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. ...read more read less