A father and his six children who went missing during a hike in Nachal Gov were located safely after an extensive search by the Arava Rescue Unit.

The family, whose children range in age from 9 to 19, had set out from Ir Ovot at approximately 8:00 a.m. equipped with water, hats, and hiking shoes.

According to the children’s mother, who did not join the trip, the family texted her at 9:30 a.m. after beginning the hiking trail. At 11:30 a.m., they sent another message saying they were exhausted by the extreme heat and hoped to finish the route within half an hour. When all communication ceased, the mother alerted rescue authorities.

Rescue volunteers immediately launched a search, splitting into teams that entered the trail from both the upper and lower ends of the canyon.

After several hours, rescuers located all seven hikers.

“We reached the family. They are all with us, extremely exhausted but in good condition,” the Arava Rescue Unit said. “They will shortly enter an air-conditioned vehicle, drink water, and receive treatment. An MDA ambulance is on its way to evaluate them and determine whether they require transportation to a hospital.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)