In October 2021, Petr Novotný, a Czech expatriate and avid mountain explorer living in Taiwan, undertook a challenging search and rescue mission for a missing hiker following a typhoon. Novotný, who arrived in Taiwan in 2012 and became known within the local hiking community for his expertise in remote mountainous regions, was initially drawn to the island’s rugged terrain—home to over 250 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters.

Upon learning of a man who had disappeared in the mountains near Taipei, Novotný embarked on an extensive search, initially hiking for 13 hours without success. After the missing hiker had been gone for more than a week, the man’s brother contacted him directly, having heard of Novotný’s skills, and requested his assistance alongside the official fire department rescue efforts.

Over the subsequent three days, Novotný covered 67 kilometers across challenging terrain, climbing approximately 6,800 meters in elevation as he scanned the area for any signs of the missing individual. Despite the exhaustive effort, the official search was called off after two weeks, and the family’s hopes began to wane. However, Novotný persisted, deciding to mount one final attempt nearly a month after the disappearance.

During this last effort, he discovered signs indicating proximity to the missing man, including fragments of fabric and discarded gear. Tragically, Novotný located the hiker’s body wedged between rocks in a side creek, where the victim had been trapped and deceased for weeks. According to Novotný, the man was an experienced hiker who had underestimated the hazardous weather conditions, likely suffering a fatal accident while attempting to cross a stream.

After making contact with his own family to inform them, Novotný coordinated with the deceased’s relatives and local volunteers to prepare the site for a helicopter evacuation. The family compensated Novotný with 300,000 New Taiwan dollars (approximately £7,200) plus a daily rate, expressing gratitude for finally obtaining closure.

Novotný documented the search and posted the footage online, where it quickly gained widespread attention. Since then, he has received numerous requests for assistance in similar cases. While he does not accept every call, he often intervenes when official searches stall or are discontinued. His approach begins with detailed analysis of maps and digital data, including last-known phone signals and surveillance footage from trailhead parking areas, which assists in narrowing down possible locations.

Alongside his wife Eva, Novotný interviews family members and friends to better understand the circumstances surrounding each disappearance, including the missing person’s hiking experience and mental state. Over time, Novotný has successfully located seven survivors, though fatalities remain more common. He notes that many accidents result from hikers lacking proper maps who mistakenly descend into valleys, which in Taiwan’s steep terrain often leads to fatal falls.

While Novotný’s primary career involves hosting the Formosa Trail mountain race in Taiwan with his wife, his search and rescue efforts provide him with a deep sense of purpose. He acknowledges the emotional toll of discovering those lost in the mountains, emphasizing the immediate need to focus on evacuation and communication with authorities before processing the personal impact later.

“For me, saving someone or solving a case is something that lasts forever,” Novotný said, reflecting on his unique contribution to Taiwan’s outdoor community.