Duck hunter rescued from mud Duck hunter rescued from mud (January 12, 2005)

A lone duck hunter, mired in mud up to his chest, was rescued from a tidal drainage bog near Dumbarton Bridge on January 6 by Menlo Park firefighters, according to Harold Schapelhouman, division chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.

Josh McGuire's ability to reach his cell phone probably saved his life, says Mr. Schapelhouman.

Calling 911, the duck hunter described his situation and led firefighters on a 20-minute search from Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto to the remote location, between the Dumbarton Bridge and Bayfront Park, where he was found.

Capt. Glenn Grant of the Menlo Park fire district used a cell phone to stay in contact with Mr. McGuire. Firefighters John Quadt and Anthony Morales slogged through muddy reeds to find him on his side in the ditch.

Throwing him a rope, they hauled him out of the ditch and drove him back out to Highway 84, where he was washed down.

Mr. McGuire, a San Jose resident, could have drowned in the ditch when the tide came in, or might not have been located for days if not for his cell phone, said Mr. Schapelhouman.

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