A missing Spanish tourist has been rescued after surviving for three days in the Amazonian jungle by eating oats and drinking rainwater.
Esther Jimenez Romeu, 26, had gone deep into the jungle with a guide at the end of October but the pair had become separated.
The Colombian Air Force said that she had gone to Leticia, in the Colombian department of Amazonas, to do ecological tourism in the jungle.
Rescuers spent days tracking the woman and eventually located her in what they described as a healthy if exhausted state.
One of the rescuers said that the young women had managed to survive by drinking rainwater and eating oats. She also ate some fruits and plants she found along the way.
The guide, named as Horacio Santana Florez, is still missing.
Colombian media said that the Spanish woman had managed to contact a friend in Norway who alerted the authorities in their country and they in turn got in touch with the Colombian authorities.
The Colombian Air Force said in a statement: “After 48 hours of tireless work to ensure the prompt and safe return of the two people, the 26-year-old woman was found in good health and was subsequently taken to a health centre to receive the necessary medical attention.”
Esther said after being rescued: “I am happy to be back thanks to the entire community that has been helping me.
“I didn’t think they would arrive so quickly, they are a wonderful team.”
The Colombian authorities are continuing their search in a bid to find the missing tour guide.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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