High-tech rescue as drone finds lost hikers on Dénia’s Montgó

A day out on one of the Costa Blanca’s most spectacular mountains took a worrying turn when two hikers lost their way on Dénia’s Montgó, triggering a police search from both the ground and the air.

With the pair unable to find their way back, officers from Dénia Local Police’s Environmental Unit launched an operation to locate them.

The pair had been missing in the vast Parque Natural del Montgó since Sunday morning, prompting the Local Police’s Environmental Unit to launch a search. With rugged terrain and a large area to cover, officers turned to technology to help pinpoint their location.

A police drone was sent into the skies above the mountain and proved crucial in finding the stranded walkers.

Drone provides vital view from above

Operated by officers from Dénia Local Police’s Environmental Unit, the drone allowed rescuers to scan the landscape from the air rather than relying solely on a search on foot.

The aerial operation eventually identified the hikers’ position, giving police the information they needed to reach them.

Once their location had been established, officers headed into the natural park on foot, navigating the terrain until they reached the pair and were able to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

Police highlighted both the use of the drone and officers’ knowledge of the Montgó as important factors in the successful operation.

The rescue provides another example of how drones are becoming a valuable tool for emergency teams, particularly in large or difficult-to-access areas where searching solely from ground level can be challenging.

A beautiful but demanding landscape

Rising dramatically behind Dénia and Jávea, the Montgó is one of the northern Costa Blanca’s most recognisable natural landmarks and a popular destination for walkers.

However, its rugged landscape means hikers need to be properly prepared before setting out.

Following Sunday’s incident, Dénia Local Police reminded anyone planning to explore the Montgó of the importance of taking precautions before heading onto its trails.

Planning the route beforehand, carrying sufficient drinking water and ensuring a mobile phone is fully charged can all become particularly important if something goes wrong. Walkers should also pay close attention to weather conditions and official restrictions affecting the natural park.

The warning is especially timely during the intense August heat, when conditions on exposed mountain routes can become demanding.

Montgó to close for solar eclipse

The rescue comes just days before additional restrictions are introduced on the Montgó for the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12.

The Generalitat Valenciana has declared pre-emergency level 3 for forest fire risk, resulting in the closure of the Montgó Natural Park and restrictions on people using paths and crossing forest land.

Dénia Local Police will monitor access points as part of a wider security operation surrounding the eclipse, with 20 Local Police officers assigned to the Montgó and beaches during the afternoon. A drone from the force’s specialist unit will also be used to monitor the park.

Sunday’s successful rescue has already demonstrated just how valuable that aerial perspective can be when people find themselves in difficulty on the mountain.