Tragic Discovery: Missing Hiker Found Dead in Chiayi County, Taiwan

Search and Rescue Efforts Conclude with the Recovery of a Hiker's Body

Taipei, May 18 – Authorities in Taiwan have confirmed the death of a hiker who went missing in Chiayi County. The Chiayi County Fire Department announced the recovery of the individual's body on Sunday morning.

The Chiayi County Police Bureau alerted the Fire Department around 10 a.m. on Saturday, following a missing person report filed by a man concerning his father, identified as Mr. Lee (李).

Mr. Lee had embarked on a hiking trip to "Holy Guanyin Peak" (聖觀音峰) in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, on Wednesday, with an expected return date of Friday, as stated in the missing person report.

A comprehensive search operation was immediately initiated, involving the Chiayi County Fire Department, the Chiayi County Police Bureau, and the Chiayi Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.

The initial search on Saturday, utilizing a team of fifteen personnel, proved unsuccessful in locating the missing hiker.

A second wave of search efforts commenced at 6 a.m. on Sunday, with a team of fourteen individuals. The searchers found the man lying face down in vegetation at 10:14 a.m.

Tragically, the missing hiker was confirmed deceased at the scene, according to the Fire Department's report.

The National Airborne Service Corps provided aerial support, and the body was successfully recovered by helicopter at 1:15 p.m.

The local police have taken charge of the investigation to determine the cause of the incident. No evidence of foul play has been indicated by the authorities.

The Fire Department issued a reminder to the public, emphasizing the importance of assessing personal physical condition, monitoring weather forecasts, and obtaining thorough trail information before undertaking hiking activities.