A French couple who was recently rescued after getting lost in the Pingtung mountains was fined by the Pingtung County Fire Bureau for not applying for the appropriate mountaineering permits beforehand.
The couple, a 38-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, went for a hike in the Mount Wutou area in Wutai Township on November 23. Three days later on November 26, they asked a friend to report that they had lost their way. The Pingtung County Government Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services together with the Interior Ministry’s National Airborne Service Corps conducted a land and air search and rescue mission. The couple was found on November 28.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the couple violated Pingtung’s mountaineering regulations that requires application for the proper permits and insurance before such activity. A fine of NT$6000 (US$191) up to NT$50000 (US$1590) may be imposed for the violation.