A major search for missing Australian trekker Jordan Yap has failed to find any trace of the 30-year-old, who disappeared while attempting a solo journey through Peru’s remote Huayhuash mountain range.
Mr Yap, from Melbourne, last contacted friends and family on September 14, before setting out on the 120km Cordillera Huayhuash circuit. He had planned to complete the high-altitude trek in 10 days.
He did not make contact on his expected return date and failed to check back into the Krusty Hostel in Huaraz, where his luggage remains. He also missed a scheduled flight from Lima to Cusco the following day.
Search for Jordan Yap continues in the Andes
A private rescue team hired by his family carried out its largest operation so far on Saturday, searching trails across the circuit without success.
Socorro Andino Peruano, a local mountain rescue organisation, is leading the effort. The group recently rescued a Canadian trekker from the same trail.
Mr Yap’s friends and family have urged Australian officials to work with Peruvian authorities and local organisations to commit further resources to the search. The Australian embassy in Peru is assisting his family.
Kevin Nguyen, a longstanding friend, said Mr Yap’s lack of contact was highly unusual.
“It’s really uncharacteristic of him to not have communicated at any point in his journey if he had the chance to,” Mr Nguyen told AAP.
He said the trek was popular during the busy season, with between 200 and 300 hikers and guides using it each week, making it unusual that nobody appeared to have seen Mr Yap after the first or second day.
“Time is of the essence … because ultimately, as much as we were saying he’s been missing since the 23rd, he’s had no contact with anyone since the 14th,” Mr Nguyen said.
Mr Yap was considered an experienced hiker and had spent more than a year preparing for the expedition. He had recently bought a GPS watch with offline maps, but had misplaced a satellite beacon several days before leaving.
Mr Nguyen said Mr Yap was an adventurous navigator who might have chosen an alternative route through the mountains.
“I know Jordan likes to orienteer and navigate and he’s quite an adventurer himself, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried an alternative route,” he said.
Mr Yap was last known to be wearing a white jacket, green sunshade sweater and grey trousers. He was believed to be carrying a 40-litre rucksack, a Durston Dome tent and hiking poles.
