Team Herald
VALPOI: All eight trekkers who had gone missing from Chorla Ghat since Monday were traced by Karnataka Police in the deep forest on Tuesday.
A priest and seven minor girls in the age group of 12 to 13 years, hailing from Ribandar, Porvorim and Panjim, area went missing when they had gone on a trek at Chorla Ghat, near Wildernest resort.
Incessant rain and heavy fog created hurdles in the rescue efforts. However, relentless efforts by the Karnataka forest police finally yielded results.
They went missing in the forest on Monday afternoon after they failed to find their way back to the main road as thick fog had enveloped the area. Seven kids and the priest remained in the forest for 12 hours and on Tuesday morning search commenced with the help of trekkers and staff of Karnataka forest officials and they were located safe and sound.
The trekkers are Debra Gonsalves (13), from Ribandar, Sansha Sampayo (11), Porvorim, Syeire Fernandez (12), Ribandar, Pearl Fernandes (12), Ribandar, Swetlana Gomes (12), Ribandar, Saina D’Souza (12), Porvorim, Sinaya D’Souza (13), Porvorim and Brother Melany Mariano Pinto (32), Campal, Miramar. The searched operation started early in the morning at Chorla Ghat forest area by Goa Forest team, local police and Karnataka forest team. After being traced, all were given first-aid and shifted to Primary Health Center, Sankhali. Their statements were recorded by the Bicholim police. Later, the kids were handed over to their parents. “Due to heavy rain and fog, we lost out return path. We tried our best to search out our way, but we remained unsuccessful and spent the whole night in the dark forest,” the priest.
Families who were under extreme pressure since Monday finally heaved a sigh of relief today after the trekkers were successfully traced.
