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Hikers Missing Amid Freezing Temps Located On Long Island With Help Of Drones

Two Long Island hikers who called for help after becoming lost in freezing temperatures were located with the help of drones.

Two hikers lost in Sears Bellows County Park were found with the help of drones.

Two hikers lost in Sears Bellows County Park were found with the help of drones.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police in Suffolk County received a call of one of the hikers on Monday, Jan. 20, telling officials they had lost their way while hiking in Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays, said the Southampton Police Department.

Police and community response units responded and were met by Suffolk County Park Rangers at the main entrance to the park. 

The team of officers realizing the park size and the freezing temperatures would be a factor in the welfare of the hikers, contacted Southampton Town Police Unmanned Aircraft Unit to respond with drones to aid in the search. 

The communications division contacted the hikers via cell phone and were able to obtain a description of the area where they were located and remained. 

An officer familiar with the park was able to pinpoint and locate the hikers. 

The hikers, William Zwart, 69, and David Berchenbriter, 65, both of Shinnecock Hills, were located by the Southampton Town Police and Suffolk County Park Rangers responded with a gator to transport the hikers back to their vehicles. 

Both hikers were cold but unharmed.

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