International Climbers in Taiwan Trigger Rescue Operation After Distress Signal

Experienced canyoneers from Australia and the Netherlands initiate search and rescue efforts after a distress signal during a challenging climb in Taitung County.

Three experienced canyoneers, two from Australia and one from the Netherlands, have triggered a search and rescue operation in Taitung County, Taiwan, after a distress signal was received. The climbers, known for their expertise, were attempting a descent of the Yanping Forest Road, a location known for its challenging terrain, considered to be among the most difficult in Taiwan.

Family members in Australia received the distress signal from a PLB satellite transmitter carried by the climbers, prompting them to immediately contact authorities in Taiwan. Taitung County Fire Department responded to the alert and dispatched a rescue team.

Due to the vast search area, the rescue team plans to establish an overnight base camp at approximately the 10K mark before resuming their search along the river valley the following day, starting from the 14K point. The search operation has been complicated by the size of the area, and the Fire Department has requested assistance from the National Airborne Service Corps.