Saved from the Summit: Taiwan's Rescue Team Saves Hikers Lost in Dasyueshan Mountains

A misjudgment of trail markers led to a challenging rescue in the Taichung mountains, highlighting the importance of mountain safety.

A recent incident in Taiwan's Dasyueshan mountain range, located in the Heping District of Taichung City, underscores the critical importance of safe hiking practices. A group of six hikers found themselves lost after misinterpreting the trail markers.

On May 21st, the Heping Police Precinct's Datong Police Station, led by Chief Hsieh Chun-hung and Officer Shen Keng-li, received a report about the missing hikers. The group, composed of two men and four women aged 60 to 70, had begun their hike from the Hengling Mountain trailhead at 10 AM that morning. They were heading towards Dizi Mountain, but reportedly lost their way after misinterpreting the route indicated by the trail markers, becoming disoriented and physically exhausted.

Responding swiftly, police officers coordinated with the Fire Department and Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency to form a search and rescue team. Using the hikers' mobile phone location data, the team, comprising four firefighters and three Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency personnel, pinpointed the group's location near Dizi Mountain and a Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency nursery. They maintained contact with the stranded hikers, encouraging them and advising them to remain in place.

The rescue team successfully located and safely brought the six hikers to safety by 9:10 PM that evening. The hikers reported that while they had hiking experience, one individual had a pre-existing foot injury that hindered their ability to walk. The complex terrain and unclear paths further contributed to their predicament.

Heping Police Precinct Chief Shih Yung-chao emphasized the need for preparedness in mountain activities. He highlighted the dynamic nature of mountain environments and urged hikers to plan meticulously, assess their physical condition, carry essential gear, and hike in groups. In case of inclement weather or other issues, Chief Shih advised that hikers should stop their hike and await rescue.

The police will continue to promote mountain safety to protect hikers in Taiwan.