An Australian man, Jordan Yap, has been missing for over a week following a solo hiking expedition in the remote Huayhuash mountain range in Peru. The last confirmed sighting of the 30-year-old was on Tuesday, September 15, as he embarked on a planned 10-day trek.
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Yap’s family grew increasingly worried when he failed to check into a hotel in Lima on September 23 and subsequently missed his flight to Cusco the following day. His father, Vinh Dao, reported that prior to embarking on the hike, Yap had communicated his intention to disconnect from the outside world for the duration of the trip. “He sent the last message to us saying that he’s going to be off grid for the next 10 days,” Dao stated. The missed hotel check-in and flight departure triggered a sense of panic among his loved ones.
According to friends, Yap had set off from a hostel in Huaraz, where he was scheduled to return on the afternoon of September 23 to collect his belongings before taking an overnight bus to Lima. His plans were reportedly thwarted when he did not arrive back at the Krusty Hostel, leading to heightened concern among his family and friends. A Samsung tracking device, which Yap had left at the hostel, remains there, confirming that he did not return from his hike.
Local authorities and mountain rescue teams, including Socorro Andino Peruano (SAP), are now involved in the search efforts for Yap. Information shared on social media indicated that search operations began following a request for assistance from Yap’s family to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). A statement from DFAT confirmed they are providing consular support to the family but did not disclose further details due to privacy considerations.
Yap’s friends have been active in raising awareness about his disappearance, with posts on social media detailing his planned hiking route along the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit, which he had intended to complete by September 23. Family friend Kevin Nguyen remarked on Facebook that initial search efforts yielded some signs of Yap, stating that search teams came across individuals who may have encountered him during their efforts.
The family has expressed deep anxiety over Yap’s disappearance, with Dao stating, “We’re very anxious. We just can’t imagine that he’s there, lost somewhere.” The family’s distress is compounded by the remote and rugged terrain of the Huayhuash mountains, which can pose significant challenges for both hikers and rescue teams.
As the search continues, there remains hope for a positive outcome. The cooperation between private rescue teams and local authorities has led to focused search efforts, although the situation remains dire as days pass without any further communication or sightings of Yap.
Those conducting the search remain committed to locating Yap, and his family urges anyone with information that could assist in the efforts to come forward. The story of Jordan Yap serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with solo hiking and the importance of communication and planning when undertaking such ventures.
As the days go by, the community and Yap’s loved ones hold on to hope for his safe return, while awaiting any updates from the ongoing search efforts in the Peruvian highlands.