A 64-year-old father from Wisconsin, Abdur Rahman, went missing for three days in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, leaving his family fearing the worst. Despite battling heavy rain, hunger, and harsh conditions, he was found alive near the Icacos River, about 40 miles from San Juan.
Rahman got separated from his family while hiking on Sunday during their vacation. Six rescue teams, along with search dogs and drones, worked tirelessly to find him. The forest, known for its dense vegetation, waterfalls, and rivers, made the search extremely challenging. To make matters worse, Rahman had diabetes and a heart condition, increasing concerns about his safety.
Authorities intensified their efforts after learning about his medical conditions. Commissioner Antonio Rosa of the Municipal Police of Río Grande explained that the bad weather slowed down their search, but they remained determined. Finally, rescuers discovered footprints on a road, which helped them track him down. He was immediately taken to a hospital for medical care.
Rahman’s daughter, Mehreen Asra, feared she would never see her father again. She explained that while hiking, some family members took a side trail to take photos, but when they returned to the main path, they realized he was missing. Her husband, Fazal Hunzai, had briefly taken the wrong path earlier and worried that Rahman might have done the same.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Hunzai urged his wife to call 911. Police advised the family to return to their Airbnb when night fell, as it was too dangerous to continue searching in the dark. The first 24 hours were agonizing, and Asra started believing her father might have fallen and died.
By the third day, their hope was nearly gone. “We almost gave up,” Asra admitted. However, just when they were preparing for the worst, they received incredible news over a rescue radio—Rahman had been found alive!
The moment was overwhelming. “I jumped like a little baby and hugged the police officer,” Hunzai said, describing his joy.
Rahman was in surprisingly good condition when his family saw him before he was taken to the hospital. He had a few scrapes but no serious injuries and was discharged on Wednesday.
This incredible survival story ended with relief and gratitude, as Rahman’s family finally reunited with him after a terrifying three days in the wilderness.
