Petr Novotny, originally from the Czech Republic, moved to Taiwan in 2012 as a student. He soon became captivated by the island's mountains, exploring uncharted trails and studying old maps. With over 250 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, Taiwan's rugged terrain became his passion. Among local hikers, he gained a reputation for speed and knowledge of remote regions.
First search and rescue mission
In October 2021, after a typhoon, Novotny heard about a missing man. He hiked for 13 hours but found nothing. A week later, the man's brother contacted him, asking for help. The fire department was also searching. Over three days, Novotny covered 67km with a 6,800-metre elevation gain, but after two weeks, the official search was called off.
On the 29th day, the family, losing hope, agreed to one final attempt. Novotny felt he was close, finding fragments of fabric and discarded gear. He eventually discovered the man's body wedged between rocks in a stream. The hiker, experienced but caught in bad weather, had likely fallen during a stream crossing. Novotny promised to bring him home.
Aftermath and growing reputation
Novotny called his wife, Eva, who typically delivers news to families. The family gathered eight men to help retrieve the body, and a helicopter airlifted it out. They paid him 300,000 NTD (£7,200) plus a daily rate of 15,000 NTD (£360). Each year, the family visits the mountain and stops by his home.
Novotny filmed the search and posted it on YouTube, where it went viral. He now receives many requests, often stepping in when authorities struggle. He sometimes works alongside the fire department or continues after they give up.
Methods and philosophy
Every search starts at his computer, analysing maps and data. He asks families for the missing person's last phone signal and CCTV footage. He and Eva interview relatives to understand the person's state of mind. In five years, Novotny has found seven survivors, but more deceased. Most deaths occur because hikers lack a downloaded map and head downhill, which in Taiwan's vertical mountains is a death trap.
Search and rescue is a side job; his main work with Eva is hosting the Formosa Trail mountain race. Finding someone alive brings relief, but logistics quickly take over. The emotional impact hits later. Novotny says this work gives his life purpose: "If I save someone or solve a case, it counts for ever."
