PINGTUNG, Taiwan (TVBS News) — Taiwan authorities announced on Monday (May 22) that rescue teams will continue operations and concentrate efforts on the southern end of the Flying Dragon Waterfall in Pingtung County as three people from a river tracing group remain missing.
Deputy Chief of the Pingtung County Fire Bureau Lee Pin-cheng reported that shoes and backpacks had been recovered, adding that two rescue teams will focus on the 100-meter and 60-meter waterfalls near the southern end of the main Flying Dragon Waterfall.
The group of 10 was caught in torrential rain during their outing on Saturday, and as the water surged, five were swept away.
After hours of rescue attempts which continued till late Sunday afternoon, two were found dead, while three remain missing.
The first victim was discovered on Saturday afternoon when his body and equipment were found in a deep pool, while the other was later found hanging from a cliff showing no signs of life.
According to local authorities, the group had been climbing down a cliff when the tragedy occurred.
The bureau said five group members became stranded on the cliff and were later rescued into a helicopter by a crew Sunday morning.
The six rescue teams consisting of officials and volunteers continued their efforts at 5:30 am on Monday in the hopes of finding the three missing members of the river tracing group alive.
