Kayakers In Tajikistan Found Alive In Remote Park


Five kayakers in Tajikistan were reported missing on Monday. The American men experienced trouble while traveling along the Balandkiik River. They sent out an emergency beacon on September 30. However, it took rescue teams several days to find them.

Ben Luck, Cooper Lambla, Matt Klema, Nate Klema, and Charles King, are experienced kayakers. They often travel to remote locations in Boliva, Chile, India, and Peru, for extended trips.

The emergency signal worried family and friends, as the men were well-traveled and resourceful. As reported by NBC News, Nate Klema’s father Thomas knew something was terribly wrong:

“It was the first time we have ever had an emergency signal from them on this trip or any trip, so it was quite worrying.”

A search and rescue team responded to the estimated location on Monday. However, all they found was a broken kayak and a backpack. The searchers then received another emergency beacon — six miles from the first.

By the time they received the second beacon, the sun was setting on Pamir National Park. The rescue team was forced to leave the area at nightfall.

The following morning, the team resumed their search for the kayakers. Tajikistan officials had a rough idea where they were, as the men carried GPS devices. Unfortunately, it took two more days to find their exact location.

As reported by RIA Novosti, the rescue team finally located the men on Wednesday. All five men were found alive.

The friends sent the emergency signal when Ben Luck became seriously ill. Luck suffered a respiratory illness after climbing to a 14,000 foot plateau. As his lungs filled with fluid, it became increasingly difficult to breathe.

Luck is still being treated for his illness, but his father reports he is recovering well. The other kayakers stayed in Tajikistan to continue their journey. In two weeks they will continue to Nepal, India, and China, returning to the US at the end of December.

[Image via Wikimedia]

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