Body of Missing Israeli Found in Peru

The body of a young Israeli woman who went missing in a rafting accident on the Apurimac River in Peru four days ago has been found.

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The woman was one of two Israelis who went missing after the accident. Searches continue for the second person.

The woman's body was retrieved from the water and placed under guard on the banks of the river overnight. A helicopter is expected to be sent to the area on Friday morning local time.

The accident occurred on Monday, when a group of Israelis set out for a three-day rafting expedition on the Apurimac. According to Hilik Magnes, operations manager of Magnes Search and Rescue International, the group had two rafts – one for the baggage, which also carried a tour guide and two Israeli women, and the second with six Israelis and a guide.

The first raft managed to get through an area of rapids safely, but the second tipped on its side, throwing four people into the river. Two were rescued quickly, but the other two were washed away.

The accident was first reported by a guide accompanying the group in a kayak. The survivors managed to get to the end of the course safely and give statements to the local police. They are currently in the Chabad House in the mountain city of Cusco, from where they are in contact with their families.

The search for the remaining missing Israeli is being managed by Amir Cohen, the Israeli consul in Peru, from Cusco.

Magnes added that the owners of the company that organized the raft expedition have apparently disappeared and the company has closed.

The Foreign ministry in Jerusalem reported that it was in touch with the families and all the relevant authorities in Peru.