KUCHING: An Australian woman is feared to have fallen off-trail while descending Mount Santubong, triggering a search and rescue (SAR) operation late last night (Apr 23).
Identified as Belinda Lapier, she was believed to have fallen in the F7 area after straying from the main trail while making her way down from the summit.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) received the distress call at 8.20pm, with a team from Petra Jaya deployed to the scene.
“Forest rangers had earlier managed to contact her at about 5pm and began searching the area, but were only able to hear her voice without locating her exact position.
“A joint SAR operation involving Bomba, police and forest rangers was subsequently mounted, focusing on the F7 sector,” Bomba spokesperson said.
Bomba said at 12.48am, rescuers managed to re-establish contact with the hiker, who provided her updated location.
A team then moved in via an off-trail route as she was believed to have deviated from the original hiking path.
However, the operation was hampered by difficult terrain, including large rocks and fallen trees, as well as poor visibility.
Despite the challenges, communication was maintained, with the victim reported to be safe but unable to move out of the area.
The operation was suspended at 3.30am due to safety concerns and will resume today.
