TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A married couple from the Czech Republic who went missing in the mountains of Hualien as Typhoon Kong-rey struck on Thursday (Oct. 31) were rescued by helicopter on Friday.

In anticipation of the typhoon, Taroko National Park authorities on Wednesday warned hikers to clear the area, but the Czech couple had switched their phones off for more than 48 hours, making it impossible for officials to contact them. After a series of efforts to locate them by the national park, it was confirmed on Thursday that they were safe. 

The pair were attempting to hike along Qilai East Ridge and had taken shelter above the Yue Wang Pavilion trailhead, where they pitched a tent for the night, per Liberty Times. On Friday morning, an air rescue helicopter was dispatched and located the couple at 7 a.m., flying them to safety.

On Thursday night, Typhoon Kong-rey brought heavy rain to the Tianxiang Scenic Area of Taroko Gorge accumulating over 1,200 millimeters of rainfall. There were also two earthquakes. 

The National Airborne Service Corps said that despite staying in a tent, the Czech couple, 38-year-old Stanislav Vosolsobe and his 35-year-old wife Anna, were at risk of hypothermia due to the severe typhoon and heavy rain. 

After receiving a request from the Hualien County Fire Department, a Black Hawk helicopter stationed in Hualien was dispatched for the mission, taking off at 6:11 a.m.

At 7:08 a.m., a rescuer was lowered to the ground, and after evaluating the couple’s condition, the hoisting was completed at 7:30 a.m. They were taken to Hualien Baseball Stadium and then to the hospital for further care.

After descending the mountain the couple reported that they were in good condition.