Hiker lost three days in California mountains shelters in train tunnels to survive

A hiker from Italy told rescuers he survived three days lost in the rugged Jacumba Mountains east of San Diego by sheltering in train tunnels, authorities said.

He also drank from pools of water at the bottom of a gorge to stay hydrated, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported in a video of his rescue by helicopter.

The man set out for a day hike from a trailhead Jan. 19 but never returned, sheriff’s officials said. He was reported missing Jan. 21.

On Jan. 22, a sheriff’s helicopter spotted the man near Carrizo Gorge and landed to take him aboard, the video shows. He had minor injuries.

Sheriff’s officials said the hiker is “thankful to be alive.”

The Jacumba Mountains are on the U.S.-Mexico border. They are part of a 31,357-acre national wilderness area.