Family’s fears for explorer missing on jungle expedition

THE FAMILY of a British explorer who has gone missing on an expedition to reach a remote tribe in Papua New Guinea have spoken of their concerns for his safety.

Benedict Allen was dropped by helicopter into the remote jungle three weeks ago and has not been heard of since. He was hoping to reach the Yaifo, a tribe thought to be one of the last on Earth to have no contact with the outside world.

The author and presenter, who has made six television series for the BBC, has no mobile phone or GPS device with him and was expected to begin his journey home at the weekend.

Mr Allen’s sister, Katie Pestille, said: “He knows all about that survival stuff. It’s just what worries me is there are bad people in these jungles.

“You would think that they were totally empty but there are people in there. I mean, I know more about the Amazon, but there are loggers and drug dealers and all sorts of bad people.”

Mr Allen’s friend, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, who travelled to Papua New Guinea with him twice last year, said: “I would say the chances are that Benedict is going to be fine, I hope those aren’t famous last words.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “Our staff are assisting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Papua New Guinea, and are contacting the local authorities.”