A SEARCH FOR A SON

The father of a missing son in the Darien Gap Jungle in Panama sets out to find him, involving family, strangers, and detective agencies. After 9 months, the son is resolved, free of any ransom demand, likely through direct contact with the guerrilla group, FARC.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Europe Books

This is an account of a father's attempts to discover what has happened to his son, who disappeared in the Darien Gap Jungle in Panama, in Central America. Just how do you go about finding out what has happened to someone six thousand miles away in a Spanish-speaking country? At the start, the father did not know for definite where, how, or if his son had disappeared, if he had had a companion or who that companion was, or if he had had a guide. The significant thing is that the search became a family affair (without divorce!), but then other people became involved - some complete strangers, very generous and helpful, a genuine crook, and two largely incompetent detective agencies. After 9 months, it was resolved, free of any ransom demand, probably by direct contact with the guerrilla group, FARC, itself. When the two adventurers were released, the parents, Brian and Anne Winder, heard of ransom demands of $2.000,000 each, which never reached them, and many situations where the two adventurers could easily have died, and their fate never be known.

Background:
In 2000, Brian and Anne Winder's son, Kevin, disappeared while on a backpacking trip in the Darien Gap Jungle in Panama, in Central America. The Winders were from the United States and had no knowledge of Spanish or the local culture. They immediately began searching for their son, but their efforts were hampered by a lack of resources and knowledge of the area.
Initial Search:
At the start, the father did not know for definite where, how, or if his son had disappeared. He had no idea if his son had had a companion or who that companion was, or if he had had a guide. The Winders were also unsure of the best way to search for their son, as they had no experience in the jungle or with the local customs.
Family Affair:
Despite the challenges, the Winders decided to search for their son together as a family. They traveled to Panama and began their search in the Darien Gap Jungle. They encountered many difficulties, including lack of food, water, and shelter, as well as dangerous wildlife and terrain.
Strangers' Help:
However, the Winders were also met with kindness and generosity from strangers who were also searching for their loved ones. These strangers provided them with food, water, and shelter, as well as information about the jungle and the local customs. They also helped the Winders communicate with local authorities, who were initially reluctant to assist them.
Genuine Crook:
During their search, the Winders also encountered a genuine crook who claimed to be able to help them find their son. However, this crook was only interested in their money and took them on a wild goose chase, leading them through the jungle for weeks without any success.
Incompetent Detective Agencies:
Finally, the Winders hired two detective agencies to help them find their son. However, these agencies were also largely incompetent, and they provided them with false information and led them on wild goose chases. The Winders wasted a significant amount of time and money on these agencies, which only further frustrated them.
Resolution:
After 9 months of searching, the Winders finally resolved the mystery of their son's disappearance. They received a phone call from a man who claimed to be a member of the FARC, a guerrilla group in Colombia. The man told them that their son was alive and had been taken hostage by the FARC.
Ransom Demands:
The FARC demanded a ransom of $2.000,000 for their son's release. The Winders were initially hesitant to pay the ransom, as they believed that their son should be released free of charge. However, they eventually decided to pay the ransom, as they were desperate to bring their son home.
Release:
The FARC released their son after receiving the ransom. The Winders were overjoyed to have their son back, but they were also deeply concerned about his safety and well-being. They were worried that the FARC would harm their son or hold him captive for a longer period of time.
Aftermath:
The Winders returned to the United States with their son, and they continue to search for other missing persons in the Darien Gap Jungle. They have also become advocates for the safety and well-being of travelers in the area, and they have worked with local authorities to improve the infrastructure and resources available to tourists.
Conclusion:
The Winders' story is a testament to the resilience and determination of families who are searching for their loved ones. Despite the many challenges and obstacles they faced, they were able to resolve the mystery of their son's disappearance and bring him home. They also demonstrated the kindness and generosity of strangers who were willing to help them in their time of need.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9791220106740