Three hikers found safe near Lake Vermillion

All three hikers missing overnight in the Lake Vermilion area were found safe at about 2 p.m. today, according to officials from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

Two fishermen came across the hikers by chance, according to Undersheriff David Phillips.

The three campers apparently took a shortcut through the woods yesterday from one arm of the lake in the direction of another lake and didn't return. A fourth camper, who had remained at the campground, became concerned when they didn't return and called for help.

Rescue squads were using Moccasin Point Resort on Lake Vermilion as a staging area, Phillips said. A Lake County unit also assisted as did the U.S. Forest Service.