Sixty-three college student hikers trapped on mountains as Tropical Storm Mindulle swept the nation were rescued by helicopter yesterday. All were recovered and no one was seriously hurt.
The Sea Gull Helicopter Rescue Team in Chiayi County yesterday morning flew into mountain areas in Nantou County to transport the marooned students to a medical station set up at a local stadium.
Most of the students had been trapped in the mountains for at least six days.
Seven students were from Chengchi University, six from National Taiwan Ocean University, eight from Tamkang University and 16 from National Chungshing University.
After alighting from the helicopter at the stadium, several students, some crying, called their parents to tell them they were fine. Others hugged friends and family who had been waiting for them.
The rescued students were tired, some badly bitten by mosquitoes. One student had suffered minor abrasions.
Students from National Taiwan Ocean University told reporters that because of the heavy rain, landslides and falling rocks, they had chosen to shelter in huts and wait for rescue.
"We really appreciate the rescue team's help and we will pay more attention to the weather forecast when going mountain-climbing in future," one Chengchi University student said.
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