Search and Rescue at Crater Lake – Injured Hiker Located
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, around 9:00 PM, Klamath County Search and Rescue (SAR) received a report of a man calling for help from the waterline at Crater Lake. Two hikers called 9-1-1 after hearing the man yelling that he had a broken leg. The call was routed through both Klamath and Jackson Counties, and SAR teams from both responded.
Darkness and the steep terrain made it unsafe to rope down that night, so the search resumed early Sunday morning. Crews could occasionally hear the man yelling, but locating him was extremely difficult. There were delays in accessing park boats, and Oregon Emergency Management coordinated with a Blackhawk helicopter crew training in northern Oregon to assist. The helicopter had limited time on-site before needing to refuel in Medford.
Eventually, the man-made contact with a park worker in a boat and was brought to the dock. He was evaluated by medics but refused further transport.
The man was identified as 26-year-old Yu Xia, a Chinese national visiting from Delaware. His vehicle was found at Waterman Point, and he was located near Discovery Point—about a mile away as the crow flies. Xia was not particularly cooperative with responders and provided limited information about how he ended up at the waterline.
We want to thank the following for their assistance:
Jackson County Search and Rescue
Chiloquin Fire and Ambulance
Oregon Army National Guard
Crater Lake Park Rangers
These types of missions highlight the danger and complexity of rescues in remote wilderness areas. We’re grateful for the coordinated effort that led to a successful outcome.
