Arabic version: عائلة تستعين بفريق بحث عن متنزه مفقود من ملبورن

According to ABC News, the family of Melbourne hiker Jordan Yap has engaged a private mountain rescue team in Peru after the 30-year-old went missing during a solo hike in the remote Huayhuash region.

Vinh Dao said he had not heard from his son since Mr Yap set out on the multi-day hike earlier this month. Before beginning the 10-day trek, Mr Yap told his family he would be off grid for the next 10 days, Mr Dao said.

Mr Yap left a hostel in Huaraz on September 14 and was due to check into a hotel on September 23 before flying from Lima to Cusco the following day. He did not check in at the hotel and missed the flight, prompting growing concern from his family. Mr Dao said his son was an experienced hiker, although the Peru trip was one of his first solo journeys.

The family contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in an effort to liaise with local police in Peru. A DFAT spokesperson said the department was providing consular assistance. While waiting for a response from local authorities, the family hired a local rescue company, which assembled a search team at about 3am Melbourne time, Mr Dao said.

Mr Dao said the team completed its first day of searching and received positive identification of Mr Yap on the second day of his hike, when people came across him. The team plans to expand the search area in the coming days, while Mr Yap’s family prepares to travel to Peru if necessary.