Hiker lost in snow in Camp Connell area

In the photo are S&R Steve Shields,
hiker Eric Vanwambeke and
deputy Kyle Johnson.

     According to a prèss release by the Calaveras County Sheriff, a 911 cell call was received on January 3, 2017 around 4 AM.

   The caller stated he had become lost while hiking in the snow the previous day. Attempts to call back were unsuccessful, but the caller was later identified as Eric Vanwambeke of San Francisco.

   Using cell tower information and the callers stating he had started out on a forest road near Camp Connell, which was covered in snow.

   Deputies were hampered by deep snow in the search and called out the Search and Rescue team with specialized equipment and snowmobiles.

   At approximately 9:15 AM on January 3, 2017 located Vanwabeke, assessed his physical condition and found him to be in good health.

   Vanwambeke had no GPS or compass and had become lost in the snow, but did have warm clothing on. He had sheltered beneath the trees and had trouble getting a cell signal to call for help. He was returned safely to his vehicle.