Lost In The California Mountains, This Man Survives By Drinking Water From Waterfalls And Rivers

Mount Santa Cruz, California. (Wikimedia Commons/Miguel Vieira)

JAKARTA - A man has been missing for ten days climbing the mountains in the United States, surviving by drinking a lot of water.

Lukas McClish, 34, left to do what he thought would be a three-hour climb in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California on June 11, according to CNN KGO affiliates.

But he got lost in the mountains, partly due to the recent damage to local landmarks (characteristics / markers).

His family officially reported he was missing when he did not appear for Father's Day dinner on June 16, prompting search and rescue efforts, KGO reported, as reported by CNN June 24.

McClish was finally found on Thursday last week thanks to drones from Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office, according to an X post from Cal Fire San Mateo, who said McClish was found in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park and home to towering ancient coastal redwood trees.

"There were several witness reports that heard someone screaming for help, but the location of the person was difficult to confirm," said Cal Fire.

McClish himself was found "without serious injuries and has reunited with his family," according to the sheriff's office.

While speaking with KGO, McClish said he was "exhausted and a little sore" after the incident.

"My voice is gone," he added.

McClish said he only had the clothes he was wearing while away to survive in the forest.

"I went only in trousers, hiking shoes, and hats," he told KGO.

"I brought flashlights and folding scissors, like the Leotherman tool. That's all," he said.

McClish also explained that his safety could not be separated from drinking a lot of water from waterfalls and rivers that found him every day while seeking help according to CNN affiliate KSBW.

"I only make sure to drink one gallon (3.78 liters) of water every day, but then, near the end, my body needs food and some kind of support," McClish told KGO.

Seeing the number of search and rescue personnel working to find him "completely humble," he said.

"It was an extraordinary experience," he said.