Wisconsin dad with heart condition found after vanishing in Puerto Rican rainforest for 3 days

A harrowing tale of survival: The Search for Abdur Rahman in Puerto Rico’s Rainforest

In a dramatic turn of events, 64-year-old Abdur Rahman, a Wisconsin resident with diabetes and a heart condition, was found alive on Tuesday after being lost for days in the dense El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Rahman, who was on a hiking tour with his family, became separated from them on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation. The El Yunque National Forest, known for its thick vegetation, waterfalls, and rivers, presented a challenging terrain for rescuers. Despite the harsh conditions, including rain and fog, a team of rescuers, equipped with dogs, drones, and other resources, combed through the forest for three days before finally locating Rahman near the Icacos River in Naguabo, about 40 miles outside San Juan.

The Rescue Effort: Battling Nature and Time

The rescue operation was nothing short of heroic. Six groups of rescuers worked tirelessly, braving the elements and the dense foliage of the rainforest. Commissioner of the Municipal Police of Río Grande, Antonio Rosa, highlighted the challenges faced by the rescue teams, noting that the rain and fog significantly slowed down their progress. However, Rosa emphasized the importance of trusting in the skills and dedication of the human resources involved in the search. The critical nature of the search was further underscored when Rahman’s family informed officials of his medical conditions, which added urgency to the mission. After days of relentless searching, rescuers finally found footprints that led them to Rahman, who was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

A Family’s Agony and Relief

For Rahman’s family, the experience was nothing short of traumatic. His daughter, Mehreen Asra, recounted the terrifying moment when her father went missing. She explained that some family members had taken a side trail to reach a lookout spot for photos, but when they returned to the main trail, Rahman was nowhere to be found. Asra’s husband, Fazal Hunzai, who had also taken a wrong path earlier, immediately sensed something was wrong when Rahman was not with the group. He urged his wife to call 911, fearing the worst. As the hours turned into days, the family’s hope began to dwindle. Asra confessed that she had almost given up, thinking her father might not survive the ordeal. However, their despair turned to joy when they received the news that Rahman had been found alive.

The Emotional Reunion

The reunion between Rahman and his family was a deeply emotional moment. Hunzai recalled the moment they heard the news, saying he jumped for joy and even gave the police officer a piggyback hug in celebration. The family was able to see Rahman before he was taken to the hospital, where he was found to be in remarkably good condition. Despite his ordeal, Rahman suffered only minor scrapes and was discharged from the hospital just a day later. In a heartwarming moment, Hunzai revealed that Rahman’s first words after being found were, “I’m hungry,” a testament to his resilience and sense of humor even after such a harrowing experience.

The Critical Search and Its Challenges

The search for Rahman was a race against time, given his medical conditions. Officials escalated the search efforts immediately after learning of his diabetes and heart condition, knowing that time was of the essence. The dense terrain of the El Yunque National Forest added to the complexity of the operation, with rescuers having to navigate through thick vegetation, rivers, and fog. Despite these challenges, the rescue teams remained determined, driven by the hope of finding Rahman alive. The discovery of his footprints on a remote road was the breakthrough they needed, ruling out other areas within the search perimeter and leading them to his location.

A Miracle in the Wilderness

Abdur Rahman’s survival is nothing short of a miracle. For three days, he endured the harsh conditions of the rainforest without food or shelter, surviving on sheer willpower. Asra revealed that her father had not eaten during his time in the wilderness and had been continuously rained on during his final night before being rescued. Despite these hardships, Rahman showed remarkable resilience, suffering only minor injuries. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The successful rescue operation also highlights the dedication and skill of the rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to bring Rahman home safely. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the power of hope, even in the most dire of circumstances.