Teenagers Rescued from Santa Paula Canyon After Using iPhone Emergency SOS Feature to Send Text Message with Location

Ten teenage hikers were rescued from the Santa Paula Canyon in California after using Apple’s Emergency SOS feature on an iPhone to send a text message containing their location to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team.

The hikers, who were between the ages of 16 and 18, were stuck in the canyon for three hours without proper hiking clothing, water, or lighting equipment. The search and rescue team was alerted to their location at around 8 p.m. local time on May 12.

The Emergency SOS feature on some iPhone models works via satellite to text emergency services even when the phone is not connected to a cellular network. The feature enables the phone to call a local emergency number and share location information.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said the group of hikers “were not prepared” for their climb and urged people to take proper safety precautions when hiking. Deputy Mackenzie Spears of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said it was fortunate that the hikers had the Emergency SOS feature on their phone, as it was “valuable information” that helped the search and rescue team locate them.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminded people to be prepared when going on hikes and to always carry the necessary supplies. They also encouraged people to use the Emergency SOS feature on their phones if they find themselves in an emergency situation.