LÀO CAI — A Dutch man who went missing while trekking Fansipan, Việt Nam's highest peak, was found safe at 11am on Tuesday by the authorities of Sa Pa Township, the northern province of Lào Cai,

Christian, a 60-year-old traveller, embarked on his trek at 9am on Monday. His last communication with his wife, Nathalie Margaretha Carola, was at 4.11pm, when he warned her that his phone battery was running low and he might have to spend the night in the forest.

Alarmed by the sudden loss of contact, Carola promptly reported his disappearance to local authorities.

Upon receiving the report at 3am on Tuesday, Hoàng Liên Commune’s search and rescue command quickly mobilised an extensive rescue operation with public security officers, rangers and military personnel.

Two initial search teams, each comprising 14 members, set out at 4am, navigating separate trails from Sìn Chải Village and Trạm Tôn-Núi Xẻ area, within the expansive Hoàng Liên National Park.

At 7.30 am, two more 12-member teams joined and scoured trails along streams from Cát Cát Hamlet, and used the Fansipan cable car to widen the operation.

After hours of relentless search, rescuers finally spotted Christian safe in Sìn Chải Village and brought him back to the relief to his family and the rescue teams.

Authorities have issued a stern reminder to trekkers attempting to conquer Fansipan, saying that they must make thorough preparations to understand the local terrain and weather conditions, ensure physical fitness and carry adequate gear. — VNA/VNS