Anonymous
Update by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
August 8, 2023
On August 7, 2023, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams located and came to the aid of a 78-year-old missing hiker near Sawmill Mountain in the Chumash Wilderness area of Ventura County.
On August 5, 2023 at approximately 3:00 PM Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 transfer from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Initial reports were that Balaji Keshava had been hiking with a group of individuals when he was somehow separated from the group near Grouse Mountain after losing the trail in Ventura County. Dispatchers were able to determine Balaji’s general location using information gathered from the cell phone call he placed after dialing 911.
Immediately thereafter, members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office SAR Teams were activated and responded to the area of Cerro Noroeste where a trailhead was located. Due to the close proximity to the Kern County line, a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter also assisted with the initial aerial search. Ventura County SAR members searched throughout the evening of August 5th and continued non-stop during the night. A Ventura County Aviation Unit helicopter equipped with a FLIR camera also responded.
Photo: VCSO
SAR team members continued throughout the day of August 6th hiking for several miles in unforgiving terrain at altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet. The Ventura County Aviation Unit remained on-scene airlifting members into the backcountry as needed. Approximately 35 personnel including searchers and coordinators were involved in the effort.
On August 7, at approximately 7:00 a.m. search efforts resumed with the assistance of two Ventura County Aviation Unit helicopters. Approximately 14 SAR team members were again airlifted into pre-designated landing areas adjacent to search zones.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. SAR team members located Balaji on a south facing aspect of Grouse Mountain in good condition. Balaji was hoisted from the location via helicopter before receiving immediate care from a SAR flight paramedic on-board the aircraft. He was then flown to a nearby hospital where his care was transferred to hospital personnel.
As a reminder, if you do find yourself in a situation where you are hiking and become lost, call 911 immediately and stay where you are. This will help searchers locate you. Do not move unless the location becomes unsafe. If your cell phone battery is running low, close or try to avoid using apps that utilize GPS. They often use a significant amount of battery power. Avoid using your cell phone as a primary source of lighting if its dark. Remember to let others know where you plan on hiking and when to expect your return. Be aware of the weather, take plenty of water, and an external power bank for your cell phone. Being prepared and having a few simple essentials could save your life.
Ventura County SAR Teams consist entirely of volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon, ocean, and urban settings. SAR members volunteer on average thousands of hours per year on searches, rescues, training, and public events.
For more information on the SAR teams, and how you can join, visit their website at www.vcsar.org. Additionally, the team can be followed on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Update by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
August 7, 2023
Update: Mr. Keshava has been located and is safe.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office thanks our community members for their outpouring of support.
By the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
August 5, 2023
Name: Balaji Keshava
Age: 78
Height: 5′ 6″
Weight: 165
Hair: Gray
Eyes: Brown
On 08/05/23, at about 0830 hours, Keshava went hiking in the Chumash Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. Keshava was hiking with a group, but became separated and was last seen in the area of Sawmill Mountain. Keshava had telephone contact at 1730 hours on 08/05/23 and reported he was in good health, and had food and water. Keshava is an experienced hiker, but was unprepared to stay out overnight. Keshava was last seen wearing white t-shirt, gray shorts, black shoes, trekking poles and a blue backpack.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Personnel searched throughout the night, but Keshava has not yet been located. The search will continue today. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at 805-654-9511.
Prayers to his friends and family and I’m hopeful that they find him or he finds his way home
No location features on his phone apparently.
Where was he found- wasn’t stated – something’s amiss?- thank you all the searchers
Probably a privacy issue. He was found safe and that’s all we need to know.
Hey a group needs to stay together. Even if someone takes a pee break. It is like when teachers take kids on a field trip. One up front. One in the middle and one at the end. Glad he is safe and sound.
If you become lost, change your voicemail. Include any information that might be able to help search and rescue find you.
This can be very useful because your voicemail greeting resides on your phone service provider’s server, not on your phone. That means if your battery goes dead, or you move into an area with no reception, a caller will still get your message.
DIVER – that’s great advice! I would also recommend bringing along a fully charged back up battery and charging cable so you can keep your phone fully charged for a couple days. For $30 you can get one that will fully charge your phone at least 2-3x on 1 charge of the battery. Could be a life saver!
Search and Rescue is so wonderful. Glad all ended well.
Best rescue pictures I’ve ever seen. Glad he is well. (still wondering about his “group” or “companions”…)