French national rescued

The French tourist who got lost during a trek between Boiling Lake and the Fresh Water Lake on Thursday was discovered this morning in Grand Fond at about 10:30 by a helicopter sent from Guadeloupe, the French Consul in Dominica has confirmed.

Maxime Rouyrre, 27, a national of France, was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for medical checkups, and according to French Consul Pascal Tomasini, the French national is in good health.

Tomasini told Dominica News Online in an interview this morning that Rouyrre arrived in Dominica by himself on November 13, 2010 to go backpacking.

His expedition in the island led him to the Boiling Lake trail in Laudat which Rouyrre intended to use to reach the Fresh Water Lake, the French Consul said.

However, after six hours into his journey, which was hampered by heavy rain and thick mist, the French national got lost, Tomasini said.

But the French national wasted no time in seeking help. He initially tried to contact local authorities, but after failing to do so, he called his family in France who then contacted the Foreign Ministry in Paris, France. The French government then contacted the French Embassy in St. Lucia, which immediately relayed the information to the French Consul in Dominica, who ensured that officials in Dominica, including the Forestry Division and Police, were informed.

According to Tomasini, Rouyrre walked along a river until he reached the vicinity of a small waterfall.

Tomasini expressed gratitude to the agencies involved in the rescue operation, noting that the local rescue teams responded quickly.

He also praised telecommunication providers LIME and Digicel. Rouyrre did not have GPS on his cell phone but because of the communication – texting and calls – between him and Tomasini, LIME and Digicel were able to give an approximate location, Tomasini said, adding that the cell phone was crucial in locating the lost tourist.

The French Consul also pointed out that the assistance from Gaudeloupe had nothing to do with the nationality of the tourist.

He said formal cooperation regarding security and rescue matters exists between Dominica and its French neighbours.

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63 Comments

  1. Queen
    November 23, 2010

    Hmmmm…well Dominica huge papa…people even loosing there

  2. sunshine123
    November 22, 2010

    @anonymous…di same ting run tru my mind too, y wud they call st.lucia 1st instead of dominica, moon dominique too sot…

  3. Well sar
    November 22, 2010

    In every tragedy is a revelation for the need to prevent such a thing or make things better – and a window of opportunity. Maybe Dominica needs to invest in more signs and yet more signs. They cannot assume Dominicans are the only ones who are in Dominica. With the nearly half a million people visiting every year, they need to erect more street signs, park system signs, and what have you. Believe me, it will encourage people to spend more money, esp. cruise visitors. How? well, they’ll be more inclined to venture out on their own – which means more time spend on car rentals, roadside souvenir stands, restaurants, etc – and yes, even guides.

    But too, with the advent of night landing and the nightmares that we can face were we to have a nighttime crash, stationing a helicopter each at both Canefield and Melville Hall airports would greatly help with Dominica’s rescue readiness. I am glad Dom/Guada have this agreement, but it is a shame as a so-called independent country to have to beg this kinda of help from a foreign country. What if a Dominican citizen was lost, who would send the helicopter? Yes, yes, I know it’s expensive… but it’s a plan – and it could someday save your family!

  4. monster
    November 22, 2010

    @ truth,justice,love,peace and unity,i would like to know what world u live in.these words don’t exist in this world,it only brings pain and suffering.i wonder how far they brought u.

  5. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 22, 2010

    @50 cents:

    Yes! Great idea. The idea crossed my mind that a helicopter or two could also be used for tracking illegal drug trafficking that are transported in specifically evenings and early mornings to Dominica in areas where they cannot be seen. How about this one?

  6. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 22, 2010

    @F pest the 1st:

    Do not stop praying. Do not also forget to pray for Dominica(ns) and politicians.
    I suppose you meant that you will stop praying for the French citizen. We are happy that he is OK. As serious as the situation was it certainly made a good story. Could be a book and movie too.
    Remember the words of the religious song: “I once was lost but now I am found”. :) Even though it is not in the religious context nevertheless there is some humane meaning to it.
    Then, Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Pray and do not faint. Do not fall asleep! Stay awake!” St. Paul said: “Pray without ceasing.”
    God bless you and God bless Dominica and other nationals!

  7. Ray
    November 21, 2010

    No… No signs we Good, All he had to do was ask for Help!!! Will teach people to ask for help you are unfamiliar with something you ask for help. I was for The signs, but this is getting out of hand…. Yes we do need signs, but no signs, will teach people. they like to learn the hard way.

  8. F pest the 1st
    November 21, 2010

    Finally i can stop praying.I almost got a heart attack when i read that he was lost.

  9. THE REAL LADY
    November 21, 2010

    @Wondering:

    You should have just left it retard. We all know you failed english.

  10. THE REAL LADY
    November 21, 2010

    @Wondering:

    SHUT UP FREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  11. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 21, 2010

    @Miami:

    I wholeheartedly endorse this. I hope the government will do something about it.

  12. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 21, 2010

    @Relaxed:

    There is a time, place and circumstance for everything. Some people laugh at everything and make jokes about everything. They never see the seriousness of certain circumstances as this one.
    It is stated what comes out of a person’s mouth tells a lot about him/her. Likewise what comes out from the brains/minds and also through the fingers on the computer keyboards.
    A joke is a joke but people must use their common sense and good judgment if they possess any. A serious matter as this, a man who was supposedly lost and who may never have been found is not a laughing matter, something to joke about or placing funny and sarcastic remarks about it on this Website. Consider the anguish of also his wife and family. Such jokes and sarcasm are totally uncalled for. You are insensitive to the situation.
    You do not have what it takes to note how serious this matter was. You need to change your attitude and cease criticizing those who took offense also about your lack of consideration.
    They have every right to speak up for the truth, for the seriousness of the matter, to teach you what you should learn, how to act and react under such circumstances and to reprimand you about it.
    In addition, place yourself in the man’s position. Would you be happy if you got lost or something bad happened to you and others made fun of you and your situation? I bet not if you heard about it. You will not laugh at it and would become angry. You would even state that those who act in such a manner are not your friends and are not nice people to the point of ceasing communication with them and even hating them. This would be a normal reaction.
    What will the specifically outside world conclude about this if they read such comments about the lost French national?
    People as you are giving Dominica a bad name and reputation. Wake up and learn if you love and care for your country. Be hospitable to also visitors. Everyone makes mistakes, some stupid and misguided ones which I am certain you are not exempt of.

  13. hello
    November 21, 2010

    I think people should not go on these journeys without a guide. it would save alot of time and energy. Govt must have some policies to make it mandatoty that we know who is exploring our jungle space and that guides made available to pay them a means of employment for a few. Dont you agree.

  14. abroad
    November 21, 2010

    I love my country and it’s people.They are among the kindest people in the world.Tourists get lost everyday in other countries, i know he was treated like a king when he was found, great work guys keep it up.

  15. McCarthy marie
    November 21, 2010

    Because the French Embassy that is accredited to Dominica is in St. Lucia. That is where the French ambassador to Dominica resides just as the american embassy accredited to Dominica is in Barbados. That is how protocol works.

  16. Miami
    November 21, 2010

    These tracks/ trails need signs and proper path way. Some of these trails have no signs you have
    no idea where you are. This is the responsibility of Forestry Division.

  17. Relaxed
    November 21, 2010

    @KKK: Silly you.Are you from DA are you black ? So what’s the deal with ur name SH? Relax man/woman people just have fun saying serious things thru jokes. Jump aboard and have some fun while you make a point.Truth justice and Love Grace ,Mercy and peace what ever the rest , you take these jokes too seriously, stop being a clown. You seem extremely conservative.You need a visit from a certain minister of Gov’t the one close to Possie.He eats legs, backs& necks and anything in bewteen.I am certain he can help ur fussy mood. He’ll help you for a while,It won’t be for long as he’s fat and don’t have lad-i-why.

  18. Wondering
    November 21, 2010

    Should read. Do we need to scan your private? Typo

  19. Wondering
    November 21, 2010

    @THE REAL LADY: Has anyone doubted your being a lady? Do we need to be scanned your privates like they are presently doing at US airports?Anyone ever indicated you were a colay- femelle/mal l’homme? hahahahaha. hey she’a alady wooh wooh she’s aladay and the lady ain’t mine. Tom Jones

  20. 50 cents
    November 21, 2010

    we going and spend 27 million dollars on a stupid palace and we doh even have a good search and rescue operation…the govt asking for nite landing and we have not one good search and rescue operation…my my my lets get a good helicopter service in dominica that can be used for those things (afie matin run the helicopter man that came to set up shop in dominica …now they in st lucia)..if we have to get nite landing and god forbid some plane run oof the runway in melville can someone tell me how we going to transport the ingured to the main hospital..lets not forget the marigot hospital is like a health centre…my god common labour party govt look out for us not for jut now but for the wat ifs

  21. Blows on Possie
    November 21, 2010

    @possie: It is clear you were not breast fed as a baby lol!” I guess I was the only one bla,bla,bla” what’s the point??? Tickle us lol! Where did your little detective work take us? Even if everyone on this post happens to be the same people what is important here is the point not who.So take your little breast milk deficient self and curl back into posse clown. I recommend you check the breast minister close to possie and see how he can help you withthe breast thing.maybe you’ll be able to get soem so badly needed essentials of breast milk you did not have the opportunity to get.tell him if your favorite chicken part is.I hope it’s breast and not backs and necks.Also almost forgot do you chew or……….. your chicken parts?

  22. Trendson
    November 21, 2010

    The entire parliment and their respective POTOS should take a trek to the lakes without guides and hopefull get lost forever.We the people will ask the french,please do not rescue.Then and only then can DA get a fresh start.

  23. Anonymous
    November 21, 2010

    Why would the French government contact St Lucia.
    Am I missing something? The man is missing in Dominica
    Do we have emergency numbers.
    This just sounds weird to me

  24. Hola Dominican's
    November 21, 2010

    Skerrit have nothing to do with that,we Dominicans should thanks our father in Heaven he;s alive why?because we would cry blood from the French people & u all should know it.

  25. Hola Dominican's
    November 21, 2010

    why should he go there alone,they always won them,who know;s if its not a trick.

  26. possie
    November 20, 2010

    guess am the only one that got anonymous and storm is the same person read there statement its the same dno i will say it again u might not post it again

  27. THE REAL LADY
    November 20, 2010

    @unsolved mystery:

    I am definitely not one of Skerrit supporters, but I agree with you.

  28. Kick ass
    November 20, 2010

    @Anonymous: stupid comment .skerrit didnt send the man in the forest.he should know not to go alone

  29. KKK
    November 20, 2010

    @unsolved mystery: soooooooooo true the PM has nothing 2 do with the tourist being lost and found wake up DOMINICANS and get ur senses correct and stop putting gabbage on the net if u dont have work to do go find an empty field and cultivate and replenish DOMINICA instead of seating and bringing down your own government for the world to see come on man and dno need to do better than that.

  30. bense massive
    November 20, 2010

    that reminds me of the Ross med student who got lost in Chauddiere pool…lolz..
    they need to put up more signs and stronger signs that won’t be blown down easily by the wind

  31. anonymous
    November 20, 2010

    Thank God the French national was found alive. I hope that there is a lesson learnt from this for future adventure seekers, always use a tour guide, since they are not familiar with the terrain of Dominica. Good work to all those involved and thank god for the cell phone, they do come in handy in times like this. It is just a pity that some persons negate the positive and can just see negative in a situation like this. Thumbs up to the telecom providers also.

  32. natural dominican
    November 20, 2010

    damn man you were damn lucky to get lost in such an exoctic place….no dangerous animals….food in abondance….bet he must be thinking…..what a vacation…lol

  33. Arnold
    November 20, 2010

    … lost in D/ca…. hmmm Boiling Lake trail is easy to follow once you have gone there at least once… I’m just saying… but he should of gone with a guide…

  34. ruhtra
    November 20, 2010

    why can’t we have our own little rescue for such matters? Are we that poor and have always to depend on the french every time we need need such assistance,/

  35. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 20, 2010

    Ever since I read the news on DON of the plight of the French citizen who was lost, I prayed that he would be found. My heart was heavy with grief just considering what he must be going through.
    I never ceased thinking of him and asking God that he will be rescued and that he will be alive.
    We must put ourselves in the position of others. If it were us, how would we have felt in that wilderness and for two days and nights(?). Consider his anxiety, fear and thought that he may never be found. All sorts of things may have been going through his mind.
    I am elated that he was found and alive and relatively healthy.
    Hats off to the rescuers. You have done a great job.
    Last evening I spoke to a Dominican friend about this French citizen who was lost on the trail to the Boiling Lake. Recently her child, Canadian in-law and Canadian young teenaged grand child visited Dominica and had a wonderful time.
    I was informed that they visited the Boiling Lake and the Boeri Lake with a guide. I asked her how much they paid and was told, approximately $100 to $150 EC.
    This cost sounds reasonable and is well worth it when considering the time it takes to visit those places and back.
    Obviously, this French man has had some experience and he may never find himself in such a situation. I do hope after he returns to France, he will not be deterred from returning to Dominica to view the beautiful sight of the Boiling and Boeri Lakes but “this time with an experienced guide.”
    I bet that if he did he will consider hiring an experienced guide. May he not be deterred by his ordeal.
    This is a happy ending. A person, a life rescued intact. May God be praised and blest. God’s blessing, grace and peace to all.

  36. Anti-hate
    November 20, 2010

    @wargod: u’re an idiot

  37. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    November 20, 2010

    @wargod:

    I do not know what you mean by “wargod”. You will have to explain this to us all.
    Dominicans have always been loving, kind, generous, compassionate and helpful in every respect. Has this changed throughout the years or are there only a few who express the reverse?
    Once again, you are another one who is being negative and discouraging. Do not be presumptuous that if the worst occurred to Dominicans and should they be in a similar position in their, the French country, they would not receive help from the French government. Wait until such occurs and then you will find out.
    In any case, keep in mind Dominicans as I are also of French heritage, directly from France as on one side of my ancestors. We should never forget our French heritage. As human beings, with no exception, we are obligated to assist one another who are especially in need of. This is also a godly, Christian act.
    Keep in mind a life is a life and a God-given precious one which is worth assisting and rescuing.
    No matter what nationality, race, color, creed or status every government must ensure that it applies compassion and ensures the security and safety of whether the person is a national or non-national, visitor or not in that country.
    Always be positive. Be thankful that this French national was rescued. This man, his wife and family of all will ever be grateful.
    In times of disasters, disappointments, bad news etc., we should always pray to God. More praying and rescuing than talking, the latter not negatively.
    Gracious thanks and appreciation to the rescuers. God bless them for their sacrificial efforts.
    May God be praised and blest for assisting the rescuers in finding the French citizen. He, too, may have prayed to God. I do hope later he will give an account of his experience. I would love to hear and read about it especially on DON.
    Thank you to DON for printing this information on your Website. You have helped some of us, at least, to pray that the French citizen would be rescued. God bless you too!

  38. MOUTH FOOL
    November 20, 2010

    How does The Right Honorable Prime Minister ROOSEVELT SKERRIT fit into this scenario This hatred and venom has gone too far, thats why he will continue to prevail over this envy and jealousy.As far as I know The PM was born on Dominican soil, so no amount of spin ,even the holding of a French passport can make him a French Man, is Ron Green an American although he resided in New York much longer than The PM ever did in any Frech country. Your slip is showing through your hatred envy and jealousy

  39. Trendson
    November 20, 2010

    All that time we looking for the lost frenchman in the forest the man there chilling in New jersey with his clan

  40. yout..
    November 20, 2010

    i tell my padna is not marijuana they looking for eh no…lol.. oh so thats is y that helicopter was flying around l;ike that.. well good to hear that the person is ok..

  41. Lost & Found item
    November 20, 2010

    @Anonymous: I heard the missing frenchman was in NJ all the time. LMAO

  42. massacre
    November 20, 2010

    thank god he is ok, saved by technology

  43. quieter
    November 20, 2010

    my god haters, why all that jealousy, skerrit is blessed and we are praying for him every second of the day hateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers

  44. unsolved mystery
    November 20, 2010

    Why is it, that when anything happens, some people always have to add the Prime Minister’s name in it? no matter what happens. these people who are s o o o ignorant, has to hide under the name anonymous. Glad this man was found alive

  45. MangoSweet
    November 20, 2010

    BIg Up to the Forestry, SSU, Search & Rescue teams and all others who were involved inthe search, under some very trying conditions. Remember al lthe rain we had on Thurday and Friday!!!. Big Up to the technology….. which played a major part in locating the guy – Who I am sure will learn a lesson.

  46. carib diva 1
    November 20, 2010

    Extreme sports and ………does people doe hear dey should not go to this place without a guide?! epecially when de weather grey. Anyway I am glad he was found okay though.

  47. mystery
    November 20, 2010

    alas am glad they found him safe poor man .thank u lord .

  48. wargod
    November 20, 2010

    smh!……bunch of buffoons…..check to see if the US or France would give a crap about you all if u were stuck in the french alpes or the appalachians…..slave mentality still here!!!!!

  49. Lost & Found item
    November 20, 2010

    A couple of peeps found fault with Villager who made a simple joke about the lost french citizen en-route to the lakes. Skerrit cannot climb to the last floor at Gov’t house let alone goona hike.Austrie either(the breast Minister) too fat,watch his neck let alone maynard nor can (address me as Dr.Aaron lol!)etc. Changing the vibes but keeping in tune.The Frenchman was put in the lost & found harnest and transported to the hospital for clearance.The D/can Frenchman was locaed in New Jersey before travelling again.A revolution should take place in his absence so he will just stay whwereever he happens to be so Venezuela will not have to send ALBA troops like( the US in Grenada) to save an ALBA brother.Then all the chinese will have to skip town back to mainland China.

  50. eh beh weh
    November 20, 2010

    good job.. thank God he was alright and found….. might i add. even with good news like this one where everybody suposed to be happy about there are always some people who look to bring out some negative vibe… its amazing really amazing… cant even stay positive and make positive comments to positive news…. congratulations again to the rescuers

  51. Bayside
    November 20, 2010

    @Watching: Didn’t you just read in the article : “The French Consul also pointed out that the assistance from Gaudeloupe had nothing to do with the nationality of the tourist. He said formal cooperation regarding security and rescue matters exists between Dominica and its French neighbours.” ???

  52. mouth of the south
    November 20, 2010

    i’m glad that all is well,,,,but honestly when i read on how the french,,british,,canadian,,german n u.s go all out for dere people i jus wish i was born dere,,,,dem man will send a whole brigade for one person,,,,we dont even have choppers in d.a,,,,,,they say it’ll disturb the parrots,,,,well dem french man not hearing those silly talks dere nah once is dere people in trouble

  53. french sxm
    November 20, 2010

    Thank God first for our prayers have been heard , Thank you Lord. And thanks to all who helped in one way or the other Gods blessings, now Maxeime enjoy Dominica and don`t go out there by yourself , man use your head. Go write a book now.

  54. TR
    November 20, 2010

    Hmmm…well this information was relayed papa…. I wonder what the prob. was in contacting the officials here… But that was good work and quick thinking on all the parties involved….

  55. Storm
    November 20, 2010

    When Skerrit sins catch up with him, the French will rescue him because he is a French national. Why do you think he is holding on to the French passport so tight.

  56. Anonymous
    November 20, 2010

    When Skerrit sins catch up with him, the French will rescue him too. Why do you think he is holding on to the French passport so tight.

  57. Watching
    November 20, 2010

    I hope the Dominica Authority see how the French Authorities pulled out all the stops to rescue 1 National in trouble in a foreign land…..They the Dominican authority seemed to have simple ignore a boat full of Dominicans in Venezuela!

  58. Observation
    November 20, 2010

    Great news!!!! I’m without a doubt elated to know that this man has been found! To all parties involved in his rescue……WELL DONE!

  59. lost in the wilderness
    November 20, 2010

    Great news ..If it’s adventure u want Adventure u get …I’m glad he was rescured and is in good health…now im sure the guy is extremly happy bout what happened ….He got a interesting tail to tell…He did not choose Dominica for nothing …He got the adventure of his life….I think the whole rescue operation was managed proffetionaly , starting from him calling his family in france ….Do come back man , u mad news …:)

  60. Chief
    November 20, 2010

    Happy this guy is OK. Cheers to all who were involved in the rescue and DNO for keeping us informed. Hope he learnt his lesson not go backpacking anywhere alone.

    I am kind of disturbed that he said he tried to contact local authorities but was unsuccessful. Although there may be many factors influencing this (did he have the correct emergency numbers and the like), I hope it is not indicative of the way our emergency system operates in Dominica.

  61. jai
    November 20, 2010

    thanks god

  62. Dominican living in the BVI
    November 20, 2010

    Good news

  63. ebonyxo1
    November 20, 2010

    oh really? i’m happy he’s gotten rescued and was not hurt. but i also hope he learns his lesson. i no these french pple are very adventurous but theres also a limit to how much they can push.

    also i’ve walked the chimen letang trail, n i’m dominican n i got lost for almost an trying to find the fresh water lake. all because i took the wrong trail.

    we need more signs to direct us in situations like these. im calling on the authorities to fix that.

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