Missing trekkers found in Padang

PADANG, West Sumatra: Rescue workers have found all of the 152 people in Solok Regent Gamawan Fauzi's entourage who went missing on Aug. 12 when they trekked through forested areas along Batang Anai river.

The search continued on Wednesday after a week-long effort involving locals as well as military and police personnel. The team found the last missing people and brought them home.

The trek was planned by Gamawan to commemorate the Aug. 17 Independence Day, and was meant to cover the western beach of Singkarak Lake in Solok, through the mountainous areas of Bukit Barisan before finally reaching Lubuk Minturun in Padang. The route covers about 60 kilometers.

"We are sure that nobody was left behind in the forest. Confusion arose earlier because there were people who were not listed in the entourage but later joined the trek," said Yal Effendi, head of the rescue team, on Wednesday. (28/edt)