Rescue of Missing Foreign Hikers in the Philippines

Rescue efforts successfully located four missing foreign hikers in the Philippines, following a search triggered by adverse weather conditions which caused them to lose their way. The group, including nationals from Germany, Russia, and Canada, survived by consuming edible plants while lost in dense forest. Their rescue was completed after two other members of their party were found previously.

Four foreign hikers who went missing in the mountainous region of the central Philippines have been successfully rescued, as reported by local authorities. The group, comprised of German, British, Russian, and Canadian nationals, embarked on a planned four-hour trek on Wednesday in Negros Oriental province, which experienced torrential rains leading to their disorientation. Rescuers located them near the Silab hydropower plant in Amlan on Saturday, a day after finding their two companions safely.

The individuals identified include Germans Aldwin Fink, 60, and Wolfgang Schlenker, 67; Anton Chernov, 38, from Russia; and Canadian Terry De Gunten, 50. According to investigator Leo Gil Villafranca, the group became lost due to fog in the area’s dense vegetation. They were discovered at 9:44 AM (0144 GMT), reported by Jose Lawrence Silorio, a rescue official.

Upon their rescue, it was confirmed that all four hikers had minor injuries. Rescuers wrapped one individual in a blanket due to cold, but he was able to stand unaided shortly after. Officials noted that they managed to survive by foraging edible plants during their ordeal. The hikers were located approximately 10 kilometers away from where two other hikers, Torsten Martin Groschupp, 58, and Alexander Radvanyi, 63, were found the previous day.

A police Facebook post featured an image of a bloodied De Gunten being assisted by rescuers as Chernov rested on a stretcher. Police indicated that severe weather likely contributed to the hikers becoming lost along a challenging trail, which they traversed without a guide. Valencia police officer Henry Japay highlighted that the conditions resulted in zero visibility and suggested that the hikers may have taken shelter from the downpour.

The successful rescue of the six foreign hikers from the central Philippines highlights the dangers posed by adverse weather conditions and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar terrain. Their experience underscores the importance of being adequately prepared and informed while embarking on such excursions. Thankfully, all individuals are expected to recover from their ordeal.

Original Source: www.gulftoday.ae