Man and Dog Survive 7 Days Lost in the Mountains
A mountain search and rescue team located a hiker who had been lost for 7 days in the mountainous Jianshi Township district of Hsinchu County last Friday. For the last 5 days, the man had survived by rationing peanuts to himself and the dog.
Mr Chiu had departed Hsinchu City on May 5th to climb a mountain, but lost his way on the 6th, and used his phone to call for help. By the second day, Chiu had used up his food provisions and all that remained was a packet of peanuts. Chiu said he had rationed the peanuts, consuming 20 per day himself, and giving the dog 10 peanuts per day.
The Hsinchu County Fire Department mountain search and rescue team found Chiu on May 11, camped beside a stream in the upper reaches of the Jinping River. “It’s really good to see you.” Mr Chiu told the rescuers. “Thankyou.” Chiu then burst into tears.
The search and rescue team chose to camp the night at Chiu’s campsite, then descended the mountain early on the morning of May 12. The terrain was steep and precipitous, taxing Mr Chiu’s strength. The rescue team members urged him on with encouraging words, and the group finally reached the trail-head at around 6:00pm.
The rescuers described the search as arduous, with thickly-wooded slopes with a grade of 75 degrees. Searchers had to use their hands and feet to scramble on slippery surfaces, and frequently had rocks fall on them. “Fortunately, we were wearing helmets,” a rescue team member said.
Fifty-five personnel, 15 vehicles, and one helicopter were involved in the search operation.
The rescuers advised Mr Chiu to download a satellite navigation app on his phone, so he can provide a more accurate location if he gets lost again.
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