Lost Aussie found
> Solo trekker had been missing since Oct 20 at Mulu National Park
MIRI: Australian tourist Andrew James Gaskell, 25, has been found alive by search and rescue teams combing the Mulu summit.
Gaskell had been missing since Oct 20 after embarking on a solo trek at the Mulu National Park.
Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong confirmed Gaskell had been rescued. He said the Australian was found at Camp 1.
More than 60 personnel were involved in the search-and-rescue effort.
Gaskell arrived at the Miri Hospital’s emergency ward late yesterday afternoon after being flown out from Mulu in a helicopter.
The national park has networks of vast caves, underground rivers and steep mountains, as well as sheer limestone walls.
Gaskell’s family confirmed that he had been found and that he was “weak but happy”, adding that they were relieved and grateful to all the people involved in the search.
His father and brother rushed to Sarawak after learning that the backpacker had gone missing.
Prior to leaving for his Asian backpacking adventure, Gaskell, who described himself as a “dissatisfied engineer, some-time composer, avid hiker, keen photographer, amateur footballer, aspiring writer”, wrote of his desire to “come to some sort of conclusion as to who I am”.