VIATAPE, French Polynesia— A Canadian national lost for nearly three days was rescued Tuesday afternoon in a dramatic airlift operation in the treacherous mountain regions of Bora Bora.

The man, identified as Colin Foster, was found by search teams on the ground and airlifted via medivac to a nearby hospital. According to sources familiar with the incident, Foster fell and slid down a steep incline while trekking by himself in the mountains of Bora Bora, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and some head trauma.

He had gone missing Saturday, March 22, after a hiking expedition on the nearby mountains of Bora Bora. The mountain range is referred to as “taboo” by locals, with only two qualified guides to the rocky jungle ascent living here.

The regional fuel strike in French Polynesia complicated efforts in locating the tourist. Energy shortages have contributed to delays in international travel, causing major air carriers to refuel mid-flight at American ports in the Pacific Ocean.

Tour operator and owner of VIP Escapes, Mikael Audebert, remained for two extra days in Bora Bora with Foster’s wife until the missing tourist was found and was brought to safety.