Matzil Search and Rescue Locates Two Missing Hikers at Harriman State Park After After-Dark Operation

Two overdue hikers were safely located and extracted Wednesday evening following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation conducted by Matzil Search and Rescue in the wilderness terrain of Harriman State Park.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., Matzil's operations center received a report of two hikers overdue from a day hike within Harriman State Park. With last known point data limited and daylight already exhausted, the team immediately initiated a rapid mobilization protocol, deploying a task force of trained SAR technicians equipped for night operations in rugged, off-trail terrain.

Upon arrival, Matzil's incident commanders established a Unified Command Post in coordination with local State Park Police, integrating both agencies under a shared Incident Command System (ICS) structure. A probability-of-area assessment was conducted, taking into account the subjects' last known location, intended route, terrain features, and behavioral profiles of lost hikers. Search sectors were assigned and teams deployed in a systematic grid pattern to maximize coverage and minimize probability-of-area.

Field teams executed the search plan through dense vegetation and difficult terrain under low-visibility conditions, maintaining communications with the command post throughout. After a methodical sweep of the assigned sectors, teams achieved subject contact — locating both hikers alive, mobile, and without serious injury.

Matzil's medical personnel conducted a field assessment of both subjects prior to extraction. The hikers were escorted out via established trail corridors and transferred to awaiting family members at the trailhead. The operation was concluded without incident.

The outcome reflects the effectiveness of rapid deployment, structured search planning, and seamless interagency coordination in a time-sensitive missing persons operation.