THREAD: american caver

YELLOWSTONE TRAGEDY Shocks Nation: Seven Killed in Tour Van Inferno

03 May 2025 — A tragic crash near Yellowstone National Park killed seven people and left eight more injured on Thursday night. Idaho State Police said a Dodge Ram pickup slammed head-on into a Mercedes tour van full of foreign travelers on U.S. Highway 20 by Henry’s Lake State Park. Both vehicles burst into flames after the collision.

The truck driver, Isaih Moreno from Texas, died at the scene along with six passengers in the van. Most of those killed were foreign nationals. The Fremont County coroner said DNA testing is needed to identify the victims because their bodies were badly burned.

China’s Consulate General confirmed that five Chinese citizens lost their lives and eight others were hurt in the accident. Local officials also reported that two Italians died in the crash.

Police have not shared what caused this deadly wreck but said weather was clear at the time. The investigation continues as families wait for answers and support from their home countries.

AMERICAN PASTOR’S Miracle Rescue: Faith and Grit Defeat Kidnappers in South Africa

21 April 2025 — An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. After a violent shootout and rescue, he is now safe. South African HAWKS police, the FBI, and the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service joined forces to free him from his captors.

Pastor Sullivan called his survival a miracle. He said faith and prayer helped him through the nightmare. He also praised his wife’s bravery, calling her “the strongest woman in the world last week.”

This shocking case highlights growing dangers for American missionaries overseas — especially in places like South Africa where crime is rising fast.

The dramatic rescue proves what can happen when U.S. agencies work with foreign partners to protect Americans abroad — even in life-or-death situations.

AMERICANS CHARGED in Congo Coup Attempt: Shocking Details Revealed

10 April 2025 — Three AMERICANS face charges for their role in a coup attempt to overthrow Congo’s government, says the U.S. Justice Department. They were initially sentenced to death in Congo but had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment before being sent back to the U.S. A fourth person, an explosives expert, is also charged for his involvement.

The failed coup last year was led by opposition figure Christian Malanga and resulted in six deaths. Among those charged is 22-year-old Marcel Malanga, son of the deceased leader of the coup attempt. His father livestreamed from the presidential palace during the attack and was killed while resisting arrest.

The charges come from an FBI investigation that uncovered plans by these men to supply weapons and explosives to a rebel army aiming to topple Congo’s government. Their return aligns with Congolese talks about a minerals deal with America, seeking security help against rebels in eastern Congo.

IRON AGE Treasure Trove: Unveiling Britain’s Ancient Secrets

28 March 2025 — A stunning collection of Iron Age artifacts has been unearthed in the United Kingdom. Durham University hailed the find as “one of the largest and most important” in the nation. The Melonsby Hoard was discovered by metal detectorist Peter Heads in 2021 and excavated by archaeologists a year later.

The hoard consists of over 800 objects dating back around 2,000 years, during Roman rule in Britain. Among these are 28 iron tires likely used for wagons or chariots. Other notable items include a cauldron, a wine mixing bowl, horse harnesses, bridle bits, and ceremonial spears.

This discovery offers valuable insights into life during the Iron Age in Britain. Such finds are rare and provide a glimpse into ancient practices and technologies. The artifacts will undergo further study to better understand their historical significance.

KAYAKER’S Miracle Escape: Swallowed by Whale and Lives to Tell

14 February 2025 — A humpback whale swallowed a kayaker off Chile’s coast in a shocking event caught on camera. Luckily, the whale released the kayaker unharmed soon after. The viral video showcases nature’s raw power and unpredictability. Experts advise that while such encounters are rare, caution is crucial in marine environments.

In Taiwan, a food court explosion killed four and injured 26, shaking the community deeply. Authorities are investigating this tragic incident’s cause.

In France, an 11-year-old girl was found dead near her school, leading to a murder investigation. Police are actively following leads in this heartbreaking case.

A small plane crash in São Paulo, Brazil, claimed two lives as rescue efforts continue. Authorities are examining the circumstances of this tragic accident. These events highlight significant global incidents marked by natural forces and human tragedies alike.

AMERICANS TRAPPED in Venezuela’s Grip: Maduro’s Unjust Detentions

07 February 2025 — Foro Penal has revealed the names of Americans still unjustly imprisoned by Nicolás Maduro’s socialist regime. Recently, Maduro released six men who returned to America with Richard Grenell, President Trump’s Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Grenell’s negotiations in Caracas led to their release and an agreement on U.S. deportation flights for illegal Venezuelan migrants and criminal organization members.

At the time of their release, only David Estrella was identified by American outlets. Spain’s El País named three others: Aaron Barret Logan, Gregory David Werber, and David Guttember Guillaume. Foro Penal confirmed these identities and identified two more Americans as Eric Auther and Samuel Batista, who were not linked to alleged plots against Maduro.

The Maduro regime accused the CIA and Spain’s National Intelligence Centre of plotting against it but provided no evidence. Foro Penal reported that five American nationals and two lawful permanent residents remain imprisoned in Venezuela as of February 5th. Among them are U.S. Navy SEAL Wilmer José Castañeda, Jonathan Pagan González, and Jorge Marcelo Vargas — all accused in the unproven plot against Maduro’s government.

DINOSAUR TRACKS Discovery in England Unlocks Ancient Secrets

11 January 2025 — A worker in a southern England quarry found nearly 200 dinosaur tracks from 166 million years ago. This important discovery at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire gives new insights into the Middle Jurassic period, say researchers from Oxford and Birmingham universities.

The tracks are part of a “dinosaur highway,” with four sets belonging to sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, and another set from the predator Megalosaurus. These findings reveal details about dinosaur movements and interactions in their tropical environment.

The crossing paths of carnivores and herbivores raise intriguing questions about their interactions millions of years ago. Emma Nicholls from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History noted that even well-known dinosaurs like Megalosaurus still have secrets waiting to be uncovered.

YOUNG BOY’S Amazing Discovery: Rare Ancient Artifact Found on English Beach

01 December 2024 — A young boy from England, Ben Witten, made an incredible discovery on Shoreham Beach in Sussex. At just nine years old, he found a shiny flint rock that turned out to be a rare artifact from the late Middle Paleolithic era.

Unaware of its importance at first, Witten kept the rock in his room for years and often misplaced it. His casual find has now become a significant historical piece.

A visit to Worthing Museum revealed the true value of his discovery. The ancient item is now proudly displayed at the museum for everyone to see.

MOUNT WHITNEY Tragedy: Adventurous Couple’s Fatal Fall Revealed

10 May 2024 — The search for Andrew Niziol and Patty Bolan, who vanished while hiking on California’s Mount Whitney, has ended in heartbreak. The pair had planned an ambitious descent by ski and snowboard back to their campsite but never returned. A massive search effort involving helicopters and ground teams was launched following their disappearance.

Rescuers found the bodies of Niziol and Bolan at an elevation of 13,200 feet on the mountain’s rugged north face after five days of intense searching. It was determined that they had tragically fallen, underscoring the perilous nature of high-altitude hiking combined with winter sports.

The recovery mission took over a day to complete, bringing a somber closure to the extensive search for the young couple. Their trip across California’s trails was meant to be an adventure celebrating their spirited pursuit of life, yet it ended prematurely.

Local authorities are using this incident as a stark reminder for hikers to fully prepare for treks and maintain constant communication with rescue services. The community is mourning the untimely loss of two vibrant lives dedicated to exploring and enjoying nature’s challenges.

HEARTBREAKING LOSS on Mount Whitney

10 May 2024 — The bodies of Andrew Niziol and Patty Bolan, who vanished while hiking California’s tallest peak, have been identified. The pair set out on a journey across California and were reported overdue during their descent from Mount Whitney.

Search efforts escalated when they didn’t return to their campsite at Upper Boy Scout Lake. Rescue teams utilized helicopters and ground units in an extensive search operation.

Five days later, rescuers discovered the bodies on the mountain’s north face at 13,200 feet. It seems they fell while trying to ski or snowboard back to their campsite.

This tragic event highlights the dangers of high-altitude hiking and emphasizes the necessity for thorough preparation in such demanding conditions.

US Families LEFT In AGONY: Stalled Negotiations for Hamas Hostages Cause Heartbreak

04 April 2024 — Half a year has passed since the chilling Hamas terror attack in southern Israel. American families are voicing their frustration over the stalemate in mediation talks. Their loved ones were abducted from a music festival near Gaza’s border, and they believe political agendas are overshadowing the urgency to save lives.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh, a 23-year-old hostage, is among those captured, opened up about her family’s daily ordeal to Fox News Digital. She painted a vivid picture of their unending trauma and relentless efforts to bring their family member back home.

The last communication Goldberg-Polin received from her son was just before he fell into the hands of terrorists. Despite no updates on his condition or whereabouts since his capture, she clings onto hope that negotiators will shift focus from politics to people’s lives.

The video footage showing Hersh’s injury and subsequent imprisonment has only deepened the family’s pain. They continue to grapple with what Goldberg-Polin terms an “ambiguous trauma”, as they anxiously await any news about their loved ones.

VESUVIUS SECRET Unearthed: AI Reveals Ancient Texts Hidden for Millennia

07 February 2024 — A group of scientists has managed to decode ancient texts, hidden and scorched by the notorious Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 A.D., with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). These texts, nearly two millennia old, were unearthed from a villa in Herculaneum, a Roman town close to Pompeii. The villa is thought to have been owned by Julius Caesar’s father-in-law.

For hundreds of years, these texts remained undecipherable due to the damage inflicted by volcanic debris. They were accidentally discovered by an Italian farmer in the mid-18th century. However, due to their fragile state and previous failed attempts at unrolling them, only about 5% of the scrolls could initially be decoded.

The scrolls are filled with philosophical musings written in Greek. A significant breakthrough happened last year when Dr. Brent Seales and his team from the University of Kentucky used high-resolution CT scans to digitally unroll these ancient writings. Despite this progress, distinguishing black carbon ink on burnt papyrus remained a hurdle until AI came into play.

Even today hundreds of these priceless scrolls remain untouched and indecipherable. With AI paving the way for new discoveries, we may soon unlock more secrets hidden within this ancient Roman treasure chest.

ARMY VET Rockstar Tackles Walmart Thief: The Shocking Moment Caught on Camera

05 February 2024 — In an unexpected twist, Josh “Crazy Ed” Edwards, a band member of HED P.E., successfully stopped a potential thief at a Walmart in California. This incident was captured in an Instagram video and later shared with Fox News Digital on January 23. The video shows Edwards restraining the suspect and subsequently emptying his pockets.

During the confrontation, Edwards discovered a knife in the suspect’s possession which he swiftly discarded. The suspect was under the mistaken impression that Edwards was part of some covert sting operation.

However, Edwards quickly set him straight: “No, this is 10 years of military. You’re messing with the wrong people,” said the Army veteran who had just saved another person’s life merely three days prior to this event.

BRAVE ESCAPE: Coast Guard Rescues 20 from Lake Erie Ice Floe Trap

23 January 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard executed a daring rescue mission on Monday, saving 20 people stuck on an ice floe in Lake Erie. The group found themselves stranded approximately half a mile away from Catawba Island State Park near Port Clinton, Ohio.

The rescue operation began around 10:20 a.m., involving two Coast Guard airboats and a helicopter, as reported by Petty Officer Jessica Fontenette. The Coast Guard successfully rescued nine individuals from the perilous situation.

In addition to the efforts of the Coast Guard, the Put-in-Bay Fire Department also played a critical role in rescuing four more people.

The final seven stranded individuals managed to reach shore using their own airboat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident that showcases the courage and effectiveness of our nation’s first responders.

UKRAINE WAR Survivor: Rare Black Bear’s Miraculous Journey to Safety in Scotland

12 January 2024 — In a surprising twist, Yampil, a rare black bear who survived the war in Ukraine, has found a new home in Scotland. Ukrainian troops discovered Yampil amidst the wreckage of a private zoo in Donetsk. The 12-year-old bear was among the few survivors when the zoo was bombed and abandoned.

Yampil’s journey to safety is nothing short of an epic odyssey. Soldiers found him during the Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022. He was then moved to Kyiv for veterinary care and rehabilitation. His journey continued through Poland and Belgium before he finally arrived at his new Scottish home.

Yampil’s survival is deemed miraculous as he suffered from concussion due to nearby shelling while most other animals at the zoo perished from hunger, thirst or were hit by bullets or shrapnel. Yegor Yakovlev from Save Wild said that their fighters initially didn’t know how to help him but started seeking rescue options.

Yakovlev also leads White Rock Bear Shelter where Yampil recuperated before embarking on his European trek. The refugee bear arrived on January 12th, marking an end to his dangerous journey and providing hope amidst ongoing conflict.

PROJECT DYNAMO Gears Up for Heroic Rescues in Taiwan and China Amid Rising Tensions

01 January 2024 — Project Dynamo, a nonprofit dedicated to saving endangered Americans overseas, is gearing up for possible rescue missions in Taiwan and mainland China. The move comes as worries intensify over Beijing’s military upgrades, nuclear growth, and aggressive stance towards Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as a rebellious province and has made threats of forceful annexation.

Established by former U.S. military and intelligence officers in August 2021, Project Dynamo initially concentrated on rescuing Americans stranded in Afghanistan after the U.S. military pullout. Since then, the organization has broadened its reach globally to assist Americans who were not part of the U.S. military’s rescue plan.

Bryan Stern, a combat veteran and founder of Project Dynamo conveyed that while it’s unclear if they’ll conduct rescue operations in both mainland China and Taiwan, they are ready for any scenario. Stern stressed that there are more Americans living in China than Taiwan, making their safety just as crucial.

Project Dynamo has named potential rescues in Taiwan and China “Marco Polo”. Operating solely on donations without government support, the group has saved over 6,000 people from various worldwide crises within less than three years of operation.

AMERICAN Hostages TRAPPED: 71 Days into Hamas’s Horrific Attack on Israel

18 December 2023 — It’s now been 71 days since the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel. This brutal onslaught led to an immediate death toll of around 1,200 and roughly 240 abductions. Among those still unaccounted for are eight Americans, believed to be held captive by the terrorist group since the early October incident.

Among the missing are Judith Weinstein and Gad Haggai, a senior couple from Kibbutz Nir Oz near Gaza. They were enjoying a peaceful morning walk when disaster struck on October 7th. Their daughter, Iris Weinstein Haggai has shared her painful experience since her parents vanished without a trace.

Weinstein Haggai is relentlessly coordinating with various governments in an effort to secure the release of the hostages. She describes her situation as having a “split heart,” struggling to maintain normalcy for her children while grappling with anxiety over her parents’ unknown fate.

USS MASON Bravely Defends Against Pirate Attack and Dodges Yemeni Missiles: A New Threat on the Horizon?

28 November 2023 — In a daring act of valor, the USS Mason responded to a distress call from commercial vessel M/V Central Park. The Mason successfully defended against an attack by five armed pirates. After attempting to flee, the pirates were pursued and apprehended by the Mason’s crew. The Pentagon has suggested that these pirates are likely of Somali origin, not Houthi.

As the rescue operation was winding down, two ballistic missiles were launched from areas in Yemen under Houthi control. These missiles landed approximately 10 nautical miles away from both the USS Mason and M/V Central Park. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported.

This missile attack could signify an escalation of aggression by Iran-backed forces towards U.S. assets in this region. While there has been a recent increase in drone and missile attacks on U.S bases and troops stationed in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed groups, this marks a new development with ballistic missiles being directed at U.S ships.

The vessel under attack, M/V Central Park flies under Liberia’s flag but is managed by an Israeli firm owned by Israel’s Ofer

AMERICAN COWBOYS Gallop to the Rescue of Israeli Farms: A Heartwarming Tale of International Solidarity

13 November 2023 — A group of four American cowboys, including John Plocher and Yosef “Yoss” Strain from Montana, have captured hearts worldwide with their mission to support Israeli farming communities in the West Bank. Their journey kicked off on November 6th. Images showcasing their cowboy hats at JFK Airport and later at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv swiftly made rounds on various social media sites.

These cowboys are volunteering for Operation Ittai, a project spearheaded by Christian volunteer organization HaYovel. Named after a foreigner who stood by King David in biblical times, this operation seeks to bolster “Judea and Samaria,” regions more widely recognized as the West Bank.

Joshua Waller, HaYovel’s operations director, informed Fox News Digital about the pivotal role these cowboys are playing. They are delivering supplies and machinery to aid smaller farms left exposed after many Israeli reservists were summoned for military duty.

Waller highlighted that although much-needed assistance has been concentrated on areas severely affected during Hamas’s October 7 attacks, other regions in Israel face hardships too. He underscored the significance of extending a helping hand to these farmers whose livelihoods hang in balance.