Time to go home. The air force helicopter took off from Qingquan Air Base at around 8 a.m. today to prepare to hoist the body of the “bikini hiker” down the mountain.
The 36-year-old bikini-clad hiker, Ms. Wu, accidentally fell 20 meters down a valley while climbing Mount Benjiu alone. Although she called for help via satellite phone on the 19th of this month, her lifeless body was found by rescuers around noon yesterday, having tragically frozen to death. Due to poor weather conditions in the area yesterday, the air force helicopter only departed around 8 a.m. today to retrieve Ms. Wu’s remains.
The Nantou County Fire Bureau stated that due to heavy rain in the mountains yesterday, the helicopter could not be deployed. Rescuers decided to set up camp to safeguard Ms. Wu’s body and wait for better weather conditions for the helicopter. As the mountain reported improved weather earlier, the air force helicopter decided to carry out the hoisting mission to ensure Ms. Wu could return home properly.
However, around 10 a.m., it was reported that numerous small branches above the hoisting site hindered the operation. After two failed attempts to hoist the body, the helicopter had to first transport the rescue team members who were assisting with guidance back down the mountain.