California woman missing 12 days in 'treacherous' area found alive: Sheriff's office

A California woman who had been missing for 12 days was found alive "severely dehydrated and emaciated," the Nevada County Sheriff's Office said.

Esmeralda Marie Pineda, 24, was rescued on Friday at the top of a river canyon in the vicinity of the Yuba River, north of Sacramento, the sheriff's office said.

Pineda required immediate medical attention and was transported to a hospital for treatment after being airlifted off the canyon by California Highway Patrol.

Pineda was reported missing on Aug. 26 after last being seen at a mining claim camp in Nevada City, California, according to the sheriff's office.

The area was "treacherous" and required skilled Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue volunteers to rappel in and out of the canyon to look for her.

"The Sheriff's Office and our search and rescue volunteers covered extensive ground throughout our search, and we are thankful today to find her alive," said NCSO Sergeant Dustin Moe.

The extent of her condition and injuries is unknown.