Rescue of Missing Foreign Hikers in the Philippines: A Success Story

Four foreign hikers were rescued in the Philippines after becoming lost in a mountainous area due to heavy rain and fog. They survived by eating edible plants before being located near Silab hydropower plant. Previous companions were found a day earlier. Weather conditions contributed to their disorientation on a challenging trail without a guide.

On Saturday, local authorities confirmed the rescue of four foreign hikers who had been missing in the mountainous regions of central Philippines, following a day after two of their companions were found. The group, comprising German, British, Russian, and Canadian nationals, embarked on a four-hour excursion in Negros Oriental province, which was affected by heavy rainfall.

Rescue official Jose Lawrence Silorio indicated that army personnel located the hikers near the Silab hydropower plant, specifically in the vicinity of Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. The hikers were identified as Aldwin Fink (60) and Wolfgang Schlenker (67) from Germany, Anton Chernov (38) from Russia, and Canadian Terry De Gunten (50).

Investigator Leo Gil Villafranca reported that thick vegetation in the mountainous area contributed to the hikers getting lost, with poor visibility due to fog reported. The authorities noted the hikers had sustained minor injuries but were in overall good condition when found at approximately 9:44 am (0144 GMT).

Silorio described how the hikers managed to survive by consuming edible plants found in the forest. They were found roughly 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from where fellow hikers, Torsten Martin Groschupp (58) and Alexander Radvanyi (63), were located the previous day.

Visual evidence from police social media highlighted the challenging conditions faced, with De Gunten receiving care in an ambulance while Chernov was treated on a stretcher. A Valencia police officer emphasized how the rainy weather likely contributed to the group losing their way, making it perilous to navigate the trail without a guide.

The swift rescue of the remaining hikers underscores the importance of proper preparation and guidance when venturing into challenging terrains, especially under adverse weather conditions. Their survival underscores the resilience of the human spirit, aided by natural resources found in their environment. This incident serves as a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts about the unpredictable nature of hiking expeditions.

Original Source: www.gulftoday.ae