TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Rescuers have recovered the body of a 59-year-old man following a mountaineering accident on Xiluan Mountain (西巒大山) after a multiday search in central Taiwan, per CNA.
The man, surnamed Wei (魏), a retired civil servant, had set out alone to climb the mountain in Nantou County on Tuesday. During the trip, he sent a message through the Line platform to family members saying he had been involved in an accident before losing contact.
After receiving a request for assistance from the family, the Nantou County Fire Department activated a rescue operation, dispatching four firefighters and two volunteer firefighters overnight to establish a search camp in the mountainous area.
With no results in the initial days of the search, a larger mobilization was launched on the fifth day after the incident. The search team split into six groups to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the area.
Rescuers eventually descended about 250 meters down a cliff ridge using ropes, where they located Wei. He showed no signs of life.
The fire department said the terrain was extremely treacherous, making recovery of the body difficult. Darkness further complicated the effort, forcing 15 rescuers to camp overnight on the mountain for safety.
On Sunday, 10 additional rescuers equipped with mountaineering gear were dispatched to descend into the valley again. The body was eventually brought to a hoisting point, where a helicopter transported it to a nearby location, and it was handed over to police.
The fire department said the operation involved one helicopter sortie and six rescue deployments, mobilizing a total of 86 personnel. Authorities reminded the public that Taiwan’s mountainous areas pose significant risks and urged hikers to carefully assess conditions and safety before attempting climbs.
