Phan Tran Ta, 58, was found on the evening of 11/5, 4 days after he went missing in a protected forest while searching for medicinal plants. Search teams from Bac Quang commune located him approximately 10 km from where he was last seen.

Ta was found after 4 days missing. *Photo: Bac Quang Commune People's Committee*

According to local authorities, Ta was discovered in a section of forest in a different village, outside the initial search area. He was conscious but severely weakened after days of being stranded. Rescue workers provided him with cakes and milk before bringing him down the mountain.

Ta recounted that on 8/5, he entered the forest to find medicinal plants. His dog, which was accompanying him, became lost, and while searching for it, he lost his way.

He initially entered sub-zone 285 of the protected forest, spanning Viet Tan 2 and Thuong My villages, around 7 a.m. on 8/5, losing contact with his family thereafter. Upon receiving the report, the People's Committee of Bac Quang commune established a command center for the rescue operation.

The search involved approximately 300 individuals, including police, fire and rescue forces, military personnel, self-defense militia, and local residents. The challenging terrain of the protected forest, characterized by steep hills, numerous streams, dense vegetation, and many small trails, complicated the search efforts.

Gia Chinh