Massive Search in Anza-Borrego Desert for Hiker Missing Since April 8

Scores of searchers continued wending their way through Anza-Borrego desert caves, tunnels and gorges Wednesday in hopes of rescuing a San Diego man who disappeared last weekend while exploring the unforgiving terrain with family and friends.

Guillermo Pino, 26, went missing about noon Sunday during a visit to the Arroyo Tapiado area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a locale also known as "the Badlands," according to sheriff's officials.

Pino apparently got lost or incapacitated after separating from his companions and venturing off by himself into the network of dirt channels and caverns that run through unstable hillsides and bluffs in the rugged area, Lt. Jeff Maxin said.

Pino's family reported him missing several hours later. Searchers began combing the remote site on foot and scanning it from aboard a helicopter that evening, then continued the effort this week. There have been no reported signs of the missing man, who has no known medical conditions.

Pino's family described him as a "fairly experienced hiker," though at the time of his disappearance he was exploring the rugged territory without shoes, water, food, a flashlight or a cell phone, sheriff's spokeswoman Melissa Aquino said.

Taking part in the search Wednesday were a total of roughly 60 personnel with the state parks system; the U.S. Border Patrol; the American Red Cross; San Diego Mountain Rescue; the Sycuan Fire Department; and sheriff's deputies from San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Airborne crews were unable to aid on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

--  City News Service