A family of three have been saved by two strangers after a backpacking mishap in central California.
Two hikers found a lime green water bottle floating in a river, with the word ‘HELP’ carved into it and an SOS message found inside.
The hikers alerted authorities and the trio were found some time after midnight by a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
The family is asking the two hikers who left the rescue without giving their names to come forward so they can thank them.