‘More boots on ground’ needed to locate Australian trekker missing in remote Peru
The family of a Melbourne man missing in Peru is trying to organise more boots on the ground to locate the 30-year-old, who is believed to be stranded in remote mountains.
Jordan Yap failed to return to his hostel and board his flight back to Australia on September 24 following a solo 10-day trek along the 120km high-altitude Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit.
Jordan Yap (right) with his partner Anita. Supplied
His family has not heard from him since he entered the trail and have raised the alarm, hiring private crews to conduct search and rescue operations through the tough terrain.
They have raised more than $72,000 via an online fundraiser and, in an update on Monday, said they are arranging additional crews to get “more boots on the ground to cover as much territory as possible”.
“We expect to have these units actively searching in the next few days,” they said.
“Thank you again for standing with Jordan. Your support means more than we can say.”
The Huayhuash Circuit is one of Peru’s most remote trekking routes that features 127km of remote mountain trails, high-altitude passes reaching 5000 metres and glacial landscapes between Huaraz and Lima.
Local tour companies rate the trek moderate to challenging.
Yap was seen wearing a white jacket, green sunshade sweater and a hiking pack when he set off on the trail. He was camping in a dome tent.
He was staying at the Krusty Hostel in Huaraz and was meant to fly from Lima To Cusco on September 24.
His family believe he is stranded without a way to call for help.
Initial search costs have already cost them more than $18,000.
“High-altitude search and rescue operations in the Peruvian Andes require immediate private funding to operate at full scale,” his family said.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular assistance to the family.
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