International Incident in Taiwan: Dutch Climber Injured During Descent in Taitung

A Dutch national sustained serious injuries while canyoneering in Taitung County, prompting a swift rescue operation involving local authorities and international coordination.

A canyoneering incident in Taiwan's Taitung County has left a Dutch national with severe injuries, triggering a rescue operation involving local emergency services and international cooperation. The incident occurred on the 22nd of the month when a group of three international canyoneering instructors, including an Australian man, an Australian woman, and the Dutch man, were engaged in a descent along the Yanping Forest Road.

During the activity, the Dutch man experienced a fall from a height of approximately 8 meters, resulting in suspected injuries to his cervical spine and pelvis. This rendered him immobile. His companions immediately activated a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), transmitting distress signals, and the man's family subsequently contacted Taiwanese emergency services through international calls.

The Taitung County Fire Department promptly dispatched a rescue team and requested aerial support from the National Airborne Service Corps. On the 23rd, the Australian woman was successfully airlifted from the scene. The rescue team assessed the Dutch man's condition, determining that any movement could exacerbate his injuries. He was stabilized and an Australian man remained with him to provide support, with plans for a helicopter rescue of the two, pending favorable weather conditions the following morning.