Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
San Juan, Puerto Rico — Search efforts are underway in Puerto Rico for a U.S. tourist who reportedly became lost while hiking in the lush El Yunque National Forest. The area, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is located in the eastern region of the U.S. territory.
According to police reports, 64-year-old Abdur Rahman was part of a hiking group when he became separated from them on Sunday. Following the alarming situation, search crews intensified their efforts on Monday to locate Rahman, who is originally from Wisconsin.
El Yunque National Forest holds the distinction of being the only tropical rain forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service, attracting numerous visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty each year. However, the rugged terrain and dense foliage pose serious challenges for those unaccustomed to the environment.
The search operation comes in the wake of previous incidents that highlight the risks associated with hiking in the region. In the past year, there have been tragic events, including the death of another tourist who fell from a cliff after straying beyond safe hiking boundaries.
In a related incident earlier this year, a 27-year-old man lost his life after falling from a 70-foot cliff in Cabo Rojo, located in the eastern part of the island, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. Such occurrences serve as a reminder of the potential dangers that hiking in remote and wild areas can present.
Source
www.cbsnews.com