Search and Rescue crews reach 2 men near Kitt Peak

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Naomi Pescovitz - View Bio

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NEAR KITT PEAK - Crews rescue two men who have been stranded near Kitt Peak since Sunday.

The men got stuck while rapelling off a rock face called Elephant's Trunk and could not get any further.

"Had they not been able to raise cell service, they'd be stuck out here." Sergeant George Economidis with the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. "And with the temperatures the way they are, could have very easily become victims and this could have been a very tragic outcome."

The Southern Arizona Rescue Team and Pima County Sheriff's Deputies decided it was too difficult to attempt rescue late Sunday afternoon.

Department of Public Safety officers used their helicopter to drop coats and water to the men.

"The first deputy on scene was able to grab some of his clothing, that he keeps in there. We all carry some winter clothing, and just throw it into a care package, with some food and some water." Sergeant Economidis said. "Fortunately, we had enough light left to have the helicopter fly that up to them."

The climbers lived off that for the night and the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, SARA, all volunteers, climbed up early Monday morning to bring them down.

"The climbers had to take up a 300 foot rope as well as some dynamic climbing rope, and climbing gear," Brian Janezic with SARA said.

It took three rappels down and after 25 hours on the rocks, the climbers were brought down to safety.

"They were very thankful that there's people like these volunteers that do this type of thing." Sergeant Economidis said. "They run a number of calls for us a year, and I've always said there's something to be said for people who drop whatever they're doing to go out and rescue someone that they don't even know."

Members of the search and rescue teams also say the hikers could have better protected themselves by leaving a note with their itinerary.