Missing woman survives a night in steep drainage ditch with her dog before being rescued

HONEYDEW, Calif. — A woman and her dog reported missing out of Honeydew were found and rescued safely by Humboldt County Search and Rescue crews Tuesday night.

Crews began searching for Nelson on Tuesday morning after her family said they hadn't seen her or the dog since 1 p.m. the day prior.

Nelson was found by crews just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday in a steep and rocky drainage ditch, according to the HCSO.

"Nelson told rescue crews that she had become disoriented during her walk of the property and was unable to find her way back," the HCSO said in a press release. "Upon realizing that she had become lost, Nelson stayed put, spending the night and following day outdoors."

The HCSO thanked the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Posse, United States Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay, Honeydew Volunteer Fire Department and Cal Fire for assisting in the search efforts.

For more information on the volunteer-run Sheriff's Search and Rescue Posse, click here.