Missing explorer Benedict Allen’s tearful phone call to his wife after chopper rescue
BRIT explorer Ben Allen has apologised to his family for the worry he caused after he went missing in remote Papua New Guinea.
The 57-year-old got caught up in a tribal battle and is suffering from malaria after three weeks in the remote spot.
Benedict Allen went missing in Papua New Guinea's remote junglesAfter being found, he was handed a satellite phone and called his wife Lenka.
The reports he said: "I’m so sorry I’ve put you through this, Linky.
"I’ve been missing you and fighting every inch of the way to get back to you and the family. I never quite gave up. Thanks for not giving up on me."
The explorer had been trying to reach a lost tribe called the Yaifo, who are known as the "last people on earth".
He spent three days with them before running into trouble in the crocodile- infested jungle.
Weak with malaria, and with no communication equipment or GPS device he found himself stranded in the Kewa Valley.
And today it was revealed he stumbled into a war between two tribes before being assisted by locals to circumnavigate the area and escape.
Steve Ballantyne, a TV location producer, told : "He had walked into a tribal battle, however then he was helped by the local community to circumnavigate (the area), which is why it took so much longer to reach safety.
"He explained that he was not feeling too well and he has got a fever so he suspects he may have malaria but otherwise generally he is pretty good."
Earlier today his pal and BBC journalist Frank Gardner tweeted: "Explorer @benedictallen is now recovering from fever, poss malaria in Papua New Guinea capital having got disoriented on remote jungle trek."
Another tweet read: "I'm told 'missing' UK explorer @benedictallen due to be helicoptered out of Papua N Guinea jungle this morning and on a plane home tmoro."
It's still unclear if he managed to make contact with the Yaifo, a tribe living in the remote jungle who he had visited 30 years ago.
Following his rescue, he said: "I was seriously worried I wouldn't get out of this one," the reported.
Meanwhile, Benedict's frantic wife last night told the missing adventurer: "Get home - NOW!"
Family and friends have reacted with anger that he didn't pack a GPS or locator beacon to use in an emergency.
Wife Lenka Allen said: "It is such a relief. I’m so happy, it’s amazing.
And as helicopter rescue crews readied themselves to swoop in and save him, the explorer's 35-year-old desperate wife told them to get him home safely.
"Just tell him to get home - now. Get home as soon as you can, because the kids are desperate to see you.
"We have been having sleepless nights, and everyone has been thinking about him."
His agent Jo Sarsby said today: "We can confirm that Benedict Allen has been evacuated by helicopter and is now safe in Port Moresby. He is reported as feverish with suspected malaria.
"Benedict looks forward to being reunited with his family and friends but will need some time to get back to full health.
"He would like to send thanks for all the kind messages he has received."
Last night The Sun revealed how rescue pilots were demanding £6,000 up front to carry out the rescue.
Keith Copley, of the New Tribes Mission, said: "The area is very remote. There is a small airstrip in the area and Benedict would have to go there to catch a plane.
"At the moment he is just waiting for a helicopter to pick him up but they won't fly unless they are paid the $8,000 for the trip.
"He is located at the Hewa airstrip 20 miles northwest of Porgera. He is healthy but requesting to be rescued."
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