missing explorer

I listened to an interview with his sister on radio 4 this morning humptydumpty and she said he didn't have any kind of GPS tracker, radio or mobile phone with him. Apparently he has been in some pretty hairy situations in the past (did I hear right that he ate his own dog to survive???) and there are helicopters out looking for him. He missed his flight but apparently that isn't unusual for him.

Frank Gardner on the lunchtime news said he was keeping an open mind at the moment because there could be many reasons why he is delayed and not all of them are sinister. Let’s hope so.

I do hope he's ok. I've always loved his programmes.

Why on earth didn’t he have any means of being contacted/contacting people? Sounds really selfish to me and means resources will be wasted looking for him and people who care about him being upset.

I know people who live and/or work in PNG but some areas are so remote that it is likely that he is out of contact for any number of reasons, most of them not sinister.

But isn’t GPS always available these days?

Saw an interview with one of his colleagues who said he was attempting to contact a tribe who had had no contact with the outside world and he felt to arrive "bristling with modern technology" would not be the thing to do. He has apparently gone missing in the past so let's hope he turns up well this time too.

If what I read in the newspapers and his final tweet is true, he was a totally irresponsible man who gave no thought for his own safety or his wife and family.
Never the less for their sake I hope he turns up safe and well and then gives up his travelling.

I agree, annsixty. So selfish to put his wife and young children through so much anxiety.

Apparently he's been sighted and is alive and presumably well.

I hope this isn't a stunt to promote his next book or TV documentary.

Just on the radio - he’s been reported live and well at a remote airstrip, apparently awaiting rescue.

Just on the news that he has been found safe, I hope he reimburses the rescue services for their efforts.

Sorry merlot crossed post!

I'm so cynical. I wonder if he has a book or programme coming out soon ?

You can probably bet your boots on it Eglantine21

I pricked up my ears when I heard he was missing because when I was studying the environment and conservation etc., back in the nineties, our lecturer was a young woman who was absolutely besotted with Benedict Allen. We had to watch countless videos and read endless boring 'papers' whilst muttering, 'Never heard of him.'

Never heard of him till now, so as a publicity stunt it worked pretty well. My cynicism kicked in well they said he hadn't taken any communication or tracking equipment. No serious expedition would do that. But then there wouldn't have been a story.
I sound quite cross. I think I need coffee.

How much is it going to cost us to bring this old bloke home?

What with him and women going on 'holiday' to Iran no wonder there is no money for necessities.

He has been sighted according to Frank Gardiner (Today R4 this morning), and is requesting rescue.

He’s at the airport and returning!

Irresponsible at best. Cynical at worst.

This is a strange one. Not sure about the whole "thing" now and wonder if its been a it of a set up. Just reading some of his comments "don't try to rescue me" being one of them.

Agree with you kittylester

I am glad he has been found just for the sake of his family.
Going into this area without GPS could be that he wants to keep their whereabouts secret and stop the tribe from being visited by other explorers who could in fact bring all manner of illnesses to this remote tribe and in effect wipe them out.
On the cynical side of it yes he could be publishing a new book in readiness for his retirement fund.I hope he pays for the rescue out of his own funds.

Why do these people who want adventure and danger in their lives ever even consider having children? It's just selfish. And searching and rescuing these irresponsible people is expensive and also dangerous for others.

I'm all I favour of being adventurous, but others have to be thought of.