Search efforts continue for a woman swept away by the San Gabriel River last weekend, and authorities vowed Tuesday to find her.
The 59-year-old Asian woman, whose name has not been released, was part of a group of traveling nurses hiking through the Angeles National Forest. They were believed to be heading to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel.
Members of the group parked their vehicles near Heaton Flats Trail, according to a sheriff's spokesman.
A nurse in the group called for help on Saturday at 9:51 am after the woman fell into the river near the trail.
Authorities said they believe the woman was trying to cross the river when she lost her balance and fell into the water. She was last seen that day being pushed downstream by the fast-moving waters.
Lt. Elisabeth Sachs of the San Dimas police station said Tuesday afternoon that the search, which began Saturday, was ongoing. “We will continue to look for her until we find her,” she Sachs said.
The San Gabriel River empties near the south end of Highway 39, Sachs said, where two dams create reservoirs.
Between Saturday and Monday, the Sheriff's Department sent 60 people to the scene, authorities said. Mountain rescue teams, emergency medical technicians from the department's law enforcement special office and the United States Forest Service have also provided their services.
Sheriff's teams also deployed unmanned drones in the area.
San Dimas Sheriff's staff advise hikers to use extreme caution when crossing streams, rivers or creeks.
The Sheriff's Department offered these tips for crossing safely:
- Stick to the calmer sections of the stream.
- Avoid water above your knees because it is easy to lose your balance in deep water.
- Please note that logs and rocks used as a base can be slippery.
- It is best to cross upstream to face the currents.
- Never cross over a waterfall or traffic jam.
