Miracle In The Jungle

Forty-year-old Australian backpacker Hayden Adcock went missing while on a walking track in Laos in August, 2008 during one of South-East Asia's most deadly monsoon seasons. Lost in the Laotian jungle, at the mercy of the violent storms, Hayden Adcock's (Paul Gleeson) body became consumed by creeping infections, hypothermia and blood poisoning. But eleven days later, as a miraculous chain of events fell into place, Hayden was found barely alive, lying at the top of a waterfall. Using actual rescue footage, exclusive interviews and high quality dramatic recreations Miracle In The Jungle is a compelling story of persistence in the face of death and a tale of an amazing string of coincidences leading to eventual rescue. Hayden Adcock grew up on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. At the time of his jungle adventure he had just completed a six-month stint teaching English in Hanoi. A keen traveller and experienced bushwalker he decided to return home on an adventure through South-East Asia. Laos was a fresh challenge and new territory to conquer. But when Hayden failed to return from a solo trek in the Laotian jungle, and four days of ground searches by local rangers and residents - in horrific conditions - failed to locate him, Hayden was pronounced missing - presumed dead. When tropical storm Kammuri hit SE-Asia over 120 people were confirmed dead after the storm caused flash floods and landslides that cut off towns and villages. The storm destroyed more than 300 homes, damaged over 3,500 others and caused damage estimated at over $US120 million. While conducting interviews with Hayden's family it became clear the heroism of the local villagers was a key part of Hayden's survival. The bravery and tenacity of the people of Ban Khoun Kham village ensured Hayden came out of the jungle alive.