Missing hikers rescued in Chile
(VIDEO) Three Israeli hikers missing in Chile for a week found Sunday safe and sound, rescued by helicopter; families express 'tears of joy'
VIDEO - Good news from Chile: The three Israeli hikers who went missing during a trek in Chile for more than a week were found Sunday evening safe and sound.
The three, Nimrod Vered, Gal Idan, and Lior Rosen were spotted by a helicopter which was launched to look for them, said officials from their insurance companies Harel and Clal. Initially the helicopter could not land in the area due to the rough terrain, but it eventually managed to rescue the hikers.
“When we saw the helicopter coming to rescue us we began crying,” Idan told Army Radio.
Rosen said, “We did not believe the helicopters would search for us in this fog, so we just followed the trail toward the road. We tried to get ourselves out of there in the hope that the rescuers would find us along the way.
Asked how they managed to survive, Rosen said, “As soon as we understood that we were lost we rationed our food; meaning, we ate every day, but not much. The food would have probably lasted for another 4-5 days. When I say ‘food’ I am talking about chocolate squares and uncooked pasta. We wouldn’t have starved. It rained the entire time and we were constantly wet.”
Hikers embrace before boarding helicopter (Photo courtesy of Harel insurance)
Haim Gofen, brother-in-law of Lior Rosen told Ynet that "this is a great joy for all. We already managed to notify Lior's father Dani who is on his way to Chile. Everybody is filled with tears of joy."
Area in which hikers were found (Photo courtesy of Harel insurance)
Nadav Kalifa, deputy commander of the rescue team for Harel Insurance, said that the three are "currently in a deep gorge and it is difficult to rescue them from there, and we may try lifting them with ropes. One of the helicopters recognized them and flew down to see them as close as he could. They waved back at the helicopter and we saw that they were all on their feet and in good condition. We will take them to a nearby hospital to make sure they are okay. We will give them food and to speak to their parents as soon as we can."
Israeli Consul General in Chile Ilan Weizmann told Ynet before the rescue that the improved weather condition allowed for the take off of six aircraft which conducted the search in the Puyehue National Park after the three lost hikers.
Weizmann also spoke about the massive search parties which operated in the area which included 40 to 50 people who searched both on the ground and in the air.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this article
