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Missing San Diego teenager rescued

Six agencies join the search

Madera County Sheriff’s Department

(Updated: Thursday, July 02, 2009, 1:26 PM)

Twenty-four hours after she tuned up went missing, 16-year-old Bryanna Barnes was back in the loving arms of her family and fellow wilderness enthusiasts enrolled in a summer program with Summit Adventure. Sheriff John Anderson credits the 45 Search & Rescue volunteers for her rescue and safe return.

Bryanna, who lives in San Diego and loves the outdoors, is no stranger to hiking, roping and rock climbing, but yesterday when she headed into the woods to change a pair of pants she suddenly found herself completely turned around.

She walked to find her bearings, believing she was headed in the right direction, only to only lose her way completely.

It’s a common occurrence when you get into the high country, says Sheriff Anderson. She was discovered at about 10:45 a.m. Friday morning (at around 10:47 AM) roughly 5five miles south/west of Portuguese Overlook off Beasore Road – well above Bass Lake.

At an altitude of roughly 6-thousand6,000 feet, Bryanna, endured the cold night, and stayed hydrated by drinking water from nearby creeks.

(Al Shine and Stan Williams), two of Madera County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers, (Al Shine and Stan Williams) found Bryanna all thanks to a whistle she carried with her.

They were driving south of Beasore toward Globe Rock. Standard procedure during searches by vehicle is to honk the horn, blow whistles and announce their presence via a PA system.

The searchers say as they grew closer to Globe Rock they heard 3three faint whistle blows –— the sign of distress.

They whistled back and announced their presence, she whistled again, and within a few short minutes they saw her running down the hillside toward them.

Al Shine and Stan Williams both insist that ‘We that they didn’t find Bryanna, she found us.’ them.

Sheriff John Anderson says these volunteers who dedicated so much of their time to saving others have an amazing heart and an amazing track record.

He not only credits the 23 members of Madera County’s Search & Rescue Unit , but 22 additional volunteers who showed up as soon as they got word.

‘They made the long drive up the mountain from Kern County, Mariposa County, Tulare County, Fresno County and CARDA, and immediately went to work.’

‘Mutual aid is not uncommon in our region,’ says Sheriff Anderson, ‘but when you think of the long distances some of these men and women must drive and without any delay, start to work, just shows you their phenomenal dedication and why we are all so proud.’