Four Marines who became trapped Monday night in the Thunder Valley caves of Pine Valley in San Diego County were able to rescue themselves.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department reports two male and two female Marines had lowered themselves into the cave but later found they could not get themselves out.
The San Diego Sheriff's search and rescue team planned to join forces with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Cave & Technical Rescue Team to rescue the Marines on Tuesday morning.
According to the SD Sheriff's Department:
Because of the dropping temperature the decision was made to bring emergency supplies to the hikers (such as blankets, water, Gatorade) so they could be comfortable through the night. When the deputy returned with the supplies he found the hikers were able to ascend and free themselves.
It's not clear to which base the Marines are assigned. All four Marines were off duty.
