Missing Mt. Agung climbers found alive and well

When people get lost during a hike up to an active volcano, getting found doesn’t always mean a happy ending and reunion (the tragedy of Eri Yunanto is a case in point). 

Luckily, for hikers Monika Zawit Towska (Czech Republic) and Mick Vrana (Netherlands), being found did result in a happy ending. Missing since Friday, the pair were found alive and well, spotting just a few minor cuts and bruises, by the search and rescue team in Desa Jungutan, Rendang, in the Karangasem area, reports Tribun Bali.

It was reported that the pair were found because of the fire they lit – the smoke led the search and rescue team to venture in the direction where the pair was located. 

The pair had been hiking Mt. Agung since Friday, and admitted that they got lost because they wanted to “find a new climbing trail” through Tulamben, in the Kubu area. The pair also admitted to staying in Tulamben without a guide, due to their desire to try a new route, insisting that they are experienced climbers.
 
The head of Mt. Agung Climbers Association however, was less than impressed with their guide-less venture, attributing their reason for getting lost to having too much ego.
 
“Mt. Agung has different conditions compared to other mountains” he contended. “It’s necessary to hike Mt. Agung with a guide. Also, from my knowledge there are no climbing routes in Kubu, only in Pasar Agung, Selat, and two routes in Besakih, Rendang” he continued. 

Too much ego or not – we’re very relieved to hear that the pair are safe and are guessing that they’ll definitely be sleeping well tonight! 

Photo: Flickr
 



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on