Two hikers who went missing over the weekend were successfully located Sunday with the assistance of a sheriff's office drone.
Carrell Wayne Fowler, 77, of Mountain Rest, and Sharon Kay Bramlett, 68, of Walhalla, were reported missing on Friday after they had gone hiking at Licklog Falls, which is in the northern part of Oconee County near the Rabun County (Georgia) line.
Both hikers were located on Sunday and appeared to be healthy. Fowler had suffered non life-threatening injuries.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Emergency Services, and other local authorities helped in the search for the missing hikers.
One Oconee County Sheriff’s Office deputy suffered a non-life-threatening injury during the search operation. The deputy sustained an injury in a fall while helping to search for Fowler and Bramlett.
Missing hikers at Licklog Falls
On Friday, April 4, according to a news release, the E-911 Communications Center received a call from a family member of Fowler and Bramlett, who were hiking around noon that day.
When they did not return, the family searched the area but could not locate them.
Their vehicle was discovered in the Licklog Falls parking area, prompting a coordinated search effort.
Search and rescue operations at Licklog Falls
Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office deployed drones over the area to help with the search on Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, according to a press release.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources personnel confirmed their exact location.
Condition of missing hikers: What to know?
The two hikers were found safe after more than 24 hours lost in Licklog Falls, according to the release.
Besides some non-life-threatening injuries to Carrell, both hikers appeared to be healthy.
They were transported to a nearby medical facility for further treatment and evaluation.
Multi-agency rescue operation
The rescue operation involved extensive search efforts and collaboration among multiple agencies, including the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Oconee County Emergency Services, Foothills Search and Rescue, and the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad, according to a press release.
K-9 Justice, Longcreek Fire Department, Mountain Rest Fire Department, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also played crucial roles in ensuring the hikers' safe return.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and the South Carolina National Guard also participated.
The United States Forest Service also provided support, alongside other individuals and search groups who participated.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].