Missing hiker found safe at top of waterfall

A MISSING hiker was found alive on Sunday morning at the top of the Rincon waterfall in the forests of Las Cuevas in the Northern Range. He was found by members of the Fire Services and the TT Defence Force search and rescue teams.

Members of the Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team were also said to be involved in the search.

A WhatsApp message from the Hunters' Search and Rescue Team’s captain Vallence Rambharat said that shortly after 2 pm on Sunday, lost hiker Andre Rock was found safely at around 11 am.

“He overnighted there. The Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team, a Fire Services search and rescue team and Defence Force personnel responded to the distress call.

“It was a well co-ordinated rescue operation. Andre Rock was in excellent condition and walked out without assistance,” the WhatsApp message said.

Rock went missing on Friday while hiking to the waterfall, which the group said was about 90 minutes off Rincon Road.

Rambharat said a tree fell on the trail Rock was using and, on his return, he tried to use a detour which took him to the top of the waterfall.

“It was late, so he remained there overnight.”

The rescue team, since its formation in February 2021, has been assisting with many searches and rescue efforts. To date, group members said, it has helped in finding 98 people and retrieving 30 bodies.