Members of the "Mountain Walk & Lunch Wellness Club," who got lost while hiking recently, presented a plaque to thank the rescue personnel. Fire Bureau Fourth Brigade Commander Chung Shih-ming (front row, first from right) accepted it on behalf of the team. (Photo courtesy of Meng Xiangjie)
Members of the "Mountain Walk & Lunch Wellness Club," who got lost while hiking recently, presented a plaque to thank the rescue personnel. Fire Bureau Fourth Brigade Commander Chung Shih-ming (third from right) accepted it on behalf of the team. (Photo courtesy of Meng Xiangjie)

The "Mountain Walk & Lunch Wellness Club" went hiking on Gupoliao Mountain in Wulai District, New Taipei City, on the 10th of this month. Suspected to be unfamiliar with the trail conditions, they got lost and called for help from the New Taipei City Fire Department. The Fourth Disaster Relief and Rescue Brigade dispatched a large number of personnel and search dogs to conduct the rescue operation, which took 17 hours to safely bring down all 23 lost hikers. A club representative presented a thank-you plaque today (the 23rd) to express gratitude to the hardworking police, volunteer firefighters, and rescuers.

Brigade Commander Chung Shih-ming urged hikers to make thorough preparations before heading up the mountain, plan appropriate hiking routes, and carry sufficient drinking water and rations for emergencies.

(China Times)