TUCSON, ARIZ.—The Customs and Border Protection Office of Air Marine's Tucson Air Branch had a busy day today rescuing four illegal aliens who had fallen off a cliff and a U.S. citizen father and son hiking duo who were missing since July 3. All rescues required the use of Black Hawk Helicopters especially equipped with a hoist system.
The first rescue occurred early this morning when Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents requested air support after apprehending a group of illegal aliens near Rio Rico, Ariz. Four of the aliens were in critical condition after falling off a cliff suffering broken bones to include two with broken legs, one with a broken pelvis and one with a broken jaw. A Tucson Air Branch Black Hawk helicopter responded and airlifted the subjects to a landing zone where they were turned over to emergency medical services.
The second rescue occurred later this morning after the Tucson Air Branch responded to a request for assistance from the Cochise and Graham County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team. A pair of father and son hikers were located after they were reported missing since July 3, while hiking on Mt. Graham. Due to terrain challenges, the pair had to be hoisted out to safety.