DULZURA, Calif. — Rescues continue to be made by San Diego Sector Border Patrol Agents due to the recent inclement weather. In the 22nd rescue made by agents in the last 24 hours, a 16-year-old girl and her mother were saved from the Otay Mountain wilderness.

On Nov. 29, at approximately 12 p.m., the San Diego Sheriff’s Department (SDSD) notified Border Patrol Agents that they had received a distress call from a mother and her 16-years-old daughter. The two were lost, without food or water in the mountainous area southeast of Otay Lakes Reservoir.

United States Border Patrol agents, Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team members, and SDSD responded to the area for a search and rescue effort. With the assistance of the Sheriff’s helicopter (ASTREA), agents were able to locate the women. Agents had to hike to the mother and child’s location and begin lifesaving treatment since both women were losing consciousness and were incoherent.

Due to the remote location and arduous terrain, an ASTREA hoist helicopter was requested and evacuated the pair who were taken by air to an awaiting ambulance. Both women, suspected of being in the country illegally, were taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

On Thanksgiving Day, 20 people were rescued in the San Diego Sector’s area of responsibility. Read: link.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.