Search operations after missing Israelis
Photo: Reuters
Body of missing Israeli tourist found in Peru
Helicopter search operations discover body of one of two missing travellers, as Israeli consul sets up situation room in Cusco.
The body of an Israeli missing in Peru was found Thursday night, during aerial search operations. Survivors of the rafting accident told Ynet of the terrifying moments. "The guide's kayak passed and after came the boat with the tourists. Then it hit a giant rock in the river and turned 90 degrees. Four travelers fell in the water – two were rescued."
The body of the 21-year-old girl from Ramat HaSharon was dragged onto the river bank of the Apurímac, where it will stay until first light. Early Friday morning it will be transferred, to begin its journey to Israel.
Searches for missing Israelis in Peru (Photo: Reuters)
The body was identified and the family was informed of the difficult news. Israel's consul in Peru, Amir Cohen, landed earlier on Thursday in nearby Cusco.
Up until now, the Foreign Ministry had handled the search operations after the 21-year-old girl from Ramat HaSharon and the 22-year-old boy from Tel Aviv through the consulate offices – now a situation room will be set up in Cusco.
Search operations after missing Israelis (with Hebrew subtitles) (צילום: רויטרס)
Meanwhile, Peruvian naval units are expected to join the search operations.
One of the survivors of the accident told Ynet eight Israelis had set out for the rafting expedition on Sunday. "There were only two rafting boats and one rescue kayak. Six tourists and a guide were on one boat, the other boat carried the equipment, a guide, and two tourists, while one guide was in the kayak."
She added: "During the second day of the voyage, a short while before we reached camp, we came upon the rapids. The guide's kayak passed and after came the boat with the tourists. Then it hit a giant rock in the river and turned 90 degrees. Four travelers fell in the water – two were rescued."
Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report.
