Explorer Benedict Allen is reported to have been seen after he was reported missing while searching for an indigenous tribe in Papua New Guinea. The BBC reported that he has requested rescue after being seen near an airstrip but was described as being ‘alive and well’. The 57-year-old, who has previously recorded series for the BBC and written books on exploration, was on a journey to rediscover the Yaifo tribe.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, who is friends with Mr Allen, said that a rescue operation was now underway. Concerns were raised when his family said that he had not flown home as planned. In a post on his website before setting off titled ‘I may be some time’, adding ‘don’t try to rescue me, please – where I’m going in [Papua New Guinea] you won’t ever find me you know…). Mr Allen said he was looking to meet with the tribe 30 years after discovering them for the first time.