SAEDNEWS: On the 23rd of October, 12 tourists went missing deep in the remote, rugged forests of Filband, Mazandaran. A rescue operation began under the cover of darkness and in the region’s challenging terrain.as
According to SaedNews’ accident report, citing Haft-e Sobh, on the 1st of Aban (October 23), 12 tourists went missing in the remote forests of Filband, Mazandaran. Rescue operations began under the cover of darkness and in challenging conditions.
On that autumn night, as fog and darkness enveloped the forests of Filband, alarming news reached the Mazandaran Provincial Disaster Management Office: 12 nature enthusiasts and tourists were reported missing in a remote, forested area. Hossein Ali Mohammadi, Director General of Mazandaran’s Disaster Management, confirmed the initial report and provided details of the incident.
According to him, the incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Thursday, 1st of Aban. The first call to the Rapid Response Unit was received regarding the group’s disappearance, and immediate coordination was carried out with the Western Bandpey District Governor and Dr. Fakhari, Head of the Provincial Red Crescent. Mohammadi emphasized the difficulty of the rescue operation, noting that sending teams into the dark and challenging terrain is extremely demanding and complex.
Originally, the group consisted of 15 people, three of whom turned back, leaving 12 who intended to travel from Diva toward Shiadeh. Based on the latest calls made the following morning, it was confirmed that they were en route to Shiadeh, and search operations by three rescue teams and one local guide team are ongoing. The efforts continue with precision and urgency to ensure the missing individuals are found safely as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, another incident was reported from neighboring provinces. That same morning, an 18-member cycling team was reported missing while attempting to travel from Javaherdeh in Ramsar to the Sarolat forests of Chaboksar in Gilan Province. The Rapid Response Unit was notified, and coordination with Gilan’s Disaster Management Director General was immediately initiated. Red Crescent operational teams in Gilan quickly responded, and after assessing the route and conditions, the cyclists were located in Jang-sar forest and assisted. Fortunately, the group’s general condition was reported as good, and they returned safely without serious injuries.
These two incidents highlight once again the critical importance of emergency preparedness, inter-provincial coordination, and the vital role of rapid response units. Difficult forest terrain, nightfall, and inaccessible paths make search and rescue operations highly challenging, but the continuous efforts of Red Crescent teams and provincial disaster management provide hope to families and local communities.
Mohammadi added that, with coordination from the Western Bandpey District Governor and Dr. Fakhari, three rescue teams were dispatched to the area. He reiterated that the operation is extremely difficult due to the darkness and the rough terrain. He explained that the group originally consisted of 15 people, three of whom returned, while the remaining 12 moved from Diva toward Shiadeh. During the last call that morning, the group confirmed they were on the route to Shiadeh. Three operational teams and one local guide team have been dispatched, and the search continues.
Regarding the Mazandaran cycling team in Gilan, Mohammadi stated that the Rapid Response Unit received a report Thursday morning about an 18-member cycling team attempting to travel from Javaherdeh, Ramsar, to the Sarolat forests of Chaboksar, Gilan. Coordination with Gilan’s Disaster Management Director was quickly established, and Red Crescent operational teams located the cyclists in Jang-sar forest and provided assistance. Their condition is reported as stable.
