A British tourist is feared dead after vanishing during a hang gliding adventure over Australia's World Heritage-listed rainforest, sparking a massive search operation in treacherous terrain.
The terrifying incident occurred near Queensland's Babinda Boulders, a popular tourist destination south of Cairns, when the tandem hang glider carrying the British national and an experienced Australian pilot encountered sudden difficulties.
Pilot Rescued After Harrowing Ordeal
Emergency services launched a dramatic rescue mission after receiving distress calls about the missing aircraft. The pilot, identified as a local hang gliding instructor, was located alive but injured after managing to deploy his emergency parachute.
Queensland Police confirmed the pilot was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the search for the British tourist continues with increasing urgency.
Remote Location Hinders Search Efforts
The search operation is facing significant challenges due to the remote and densely forested nature of the area. Emergency crews including police, SES volunteers, and specialist search teams are combing the difficult terrain near the notorious "Devil's Pool," an area with a tragic history of drownings.
"The search is ongoing in very challenging conditions," a police spokesperson stated. "The terrain is extremely difficult to access, and we're using all available resources to locate the missing tourist."
Tourism Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised serious questions about adventure tourism safety in Australia's far north Queensland region, popular with British travellers seeking tropical experiences. Local adventure companies offer various aerial activities, including hang gliding and paragliding, over the stunning rainforest canopy.
The Australian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association has been notified of the incident and is cooperating with authorities. Industry representatives have expressed their concern while emphasising the generally strong safety record of commercial hang gliding operations.
Foreign Office officials are providing consular assistance to the British tourist's family, who have been notified of the distressing situation. The identity of the missing tourist is being withheld pending formal identification and family notifications.
As night fell over the rainforest, search teams continued their efforts under difficult conditions, hoping for a miracle in what authorities are describing as a "desperate race against time."
