Hikers lost in dover forge leads to police response with drones and atvs down the shore
Details of Atv quad bike close up

Hikers lost in Dover Forge leads to police response with drones and ATVs down the shore

by
August 17, 2025
···

Berkeley Township, NJ – A pair of hikers lost for hours in the dense woods of Dover Forge were safely guided out Saturday afternoon after a high-tech search involving drones and all-terrain vehicles led to their discovery just before sunset.

The adult man and woman had entered the wooded area around 9 a.m. but became disoriented and unable to find their way back to their vehicle. At approximately 2:20 p.m., the woman called Berkeley Township Police to report that they were lost.

Officers from multiple divisions responded immediately, deploying both the Drone Unit and ATV Unit to cover the expansive terrain. After nearly two and a half hours of searching, a police-operated drone spotted the pair about 150 yards from a nearby creek.

Remarkably, the hikers were able to follow the drone’s movement back to awaiting officers. They were evaluated by Berkeley Township EMS at the scene and released without injuries.

The search was led by Sgt. Houle, Ptl. Shan, Ptl. Slocum, and supported by drone operators Ptl. DeDeyn, and Ptl. Bondulich, with ATV assistance from Sgt. Flanegan.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.