According to Taiwanese media reports, a married couple surnamed Song from New Taipei City went hiking in Pingxi District the day before yesterday but got lost after taking a wrong turn, as if trapped in a “ghostly maze.” After a five-hour search by police and firefighters, the pair was finally found at around 11:00 p.m.
The 55-year-old man surnamed Song and his 53-year-old wife surnamed Yang had taken advantage of the “Double Ten” holiday to go on an outing. The couple originally wanted to explore the “Demon Cave” on the Jing Tong Ancient Trail, but because they were unfamiliar with the mountain paths, they took a wrong turn and couldn’t find their way out, becoming stranded in the mountains.
At 6:22 p.m., Mr. Song called the police for help. A total of eight police and firefighter personnel were dispatched to search the mountain. However, due to Mr. Song’s unfamiliarity with the mountain terrain and the approaching darkness, he was unable to clearly describe the surrounding geographical features. After considerable effort, the rescuers finally found the couple in front of a large cave in the Shizhu Jian area at 11:15 p.m., ending nearly five hours of terror.
“We’re so sorry, really sorry!” Upon seeing the police and firefighters in the pitch dark, the rescued couple finally breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly apologized to the rescuers. Ms. Yang, who was overly frightened, had weak legs and had to be supported by others to walk. Fortunately, both were in good health.
Li Ancun, head of the Ruifang Police Precinct, advised that when lost while hiking and waiting for rescue, one should stay calm and clearly describe the surrounding geographical features to search and rescue teams. Do not wander aimlessly. If movement is necessary to take shelter from wind or rain, leave markers such as stacked rocks or broken branches along the way to help rescuers identify your location and shorten the search time.