Point Reyes National Seashore (CA)
Rangers Rescue Man Stuck On Headland Cliffs
Rangers received a report last Thursday of a man stuck on the cliffs near the Point Reyes lighthouse. Neil Kumar, 31, and his cousin, Charlie Kumar, 20, had descended approximately a thousand feet down the cliffs of the Point Reyes headlands, an area closed to public entry. When they tried to climb back up, they found that the cliff was steep and crumbly. Charlie could not go further, so waited in a relatively safe spot while Neil continued to climb. He reached the parking lot after several hours and called for assistance. Rangers, Marin County firefighters and a California Highway Patrol helicopter responded. The crew of the helicopter confirmed Charlie's position on the cliff, but declined the mission due to winds gusting over 40 mph. Rangers and county firefighters then conducted a high-angle technical rescue, raising Charlie over 500 feet. He was shaken but otherwise uninjured. Both Kumars were cited for multiple violations.