Taitung: An Australian man stranded for seven days in a cave along a cliff in eastern Taiwan's Coastal Mountain Range was rescued Friday after search crews used drones and followed the sound of his saxophone to locate him. The 50-year-old man, identified as Matthew, was safely escorted down the mountain by Taitung County Fire Bureau rescuers after days of difficult operations in steep terrain and poor weather.

According to Focus Taiwan, Matthew expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's a miracle. Thank you Taiwan," after returning to the coastal highway with rescuers and family members. He recounted how he survived for seven days in the mountains without food, shoes, or electronic devices by searching for water. Initially, he had been hiking above the cliff area but descended into a ravine to find water. Unfortunately, he was unable to climb back due to the steepness.

Feeling close to despair, Matthew played his saxophone to attract attention and read the Bible, believing that help would come. The Taitung County Fire Bureau received a report on Monday about a missing foreign national in the mountains of Donghe Township, prompting rescue crews, volunteer firefighters, and forestry personnel to set up a forward command post.

On Tuesday, drones were employed to locate Matthew inside a cave by a mountain stream near a cliff face. The rescue efforts were hindered by heavy rain, collapsed trails, and unstable terrain, which prevented helicopter operations. Consequently, drones were used to air-drop food and supplies while rescue teams advanced on foot from two directions.

Rescuers reached Matthew on Thursday evening, but due to rain, dense vegetation, and dangerous terrain, they had to camp overnight before safely escorting him down the mountain on Friday. The fire bureau noted that recent rainfall likely aided Matthew's survival by providing water, while the cave offered protection from the wind and rain, preventing hypothermia.

Officials highlighted the critical role of drones in the operation, which facilitated aerial searches, route mapping, and supply delivery in the remote terrain with poor communications. Over the five-day operation, authorities deployed 33 rescue vehicles and 144 rescue personnel.

Matthew's friend and pastor, Kao Yung-hsu, mentioned that Matthew enjoys hiking alone and is known for volunteering in disaster relief work in remote Indigenous communities and Hualien. Kao added that the sound of Matthew's saxophone, played after hearing people calling for him, helped pinpoint his location, acting "like a whistle."

Matthew had entered the mountains alone on May 9, carrying a saxophone and a Bible. He was reported missing by family and friends after failing to return home.