25-Year-Old Deaf Hiker Rescued In Malibu Canyon

MALIBU (CBS) — A 25-year-old man who cannot hear or speak and was stranded on a 15-foot ledge about 400 feet from the floor of Malibu Canyon was rescued early Wednesday.

Sheriff's and county fire rescuers were called to Malibu Canyon about 9 p.m. Tuesday when several hikers called for help, said Deputy Guillermina Saldana.

One hiker from Fullerton became stuck on the ledge and was not able to communicate the full extent of his injuries.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Mountain Rescue Team was activated and following the clearing of very heavy brush at the top of the ledge, rope was lowered to the man who was in danger of slipping further down the hillside.

The two teams lowered a winch/cable system to the victim and rescuers cut through 4 to 5 feet of thick brush to reach the man.

The hiker was safely removed from the ledge at about 1 a.m. today. He sustained multiple cuts and was taken via helicopter to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

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