Firefighters Lift Climber From Rock

A Woodland Hills man spent Sunday night on Mugu Rock after he climbed up to see a sunset and was unable to get down, authorities said.

Marshall Davis, 27, told authorities he couldn’t safely make the 80-foot descent after the sun fell and decided to wait for help.

It wasn’t until early Monday morning, however, that a couple passing by heard Davis shouting for help. They called 911 about 6:45 a.m., said Joe Luna, spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.

Firefighters climbed the rock and strapped Davis into a harness before lifting him by helicopter. Davis’ night in the cold left him shaken, but uninjured.

“He was in good shape and really grateful to everyone,” Luna said. “He was a bit embarrassed, but that’s about it. It looks easy going up there, but most people have trouble coming down. There isn’t really a strong foothold and not a lot there to keep a firm footing.”

About 20 emergency personnel responded to the rescue.

Luna said rescuers helped four climbers off the rock last year, and three in addition to Davis already this year.