Man missing from Canada for five years found wandering in Brazil after ‘walking through 10 countries'

A man who disappeared from his home in Canada five years ago has been found in the Amazon jungle.

Anton Pilipa had travelled more than 6,500 miles through at least 10 countries, and was living homeless in northern Brazil.

He survived by eating leftovers from rubbish bins or scavenging fruit and berries.

The 39-year-old former humanitarian worker – who suffers from suspected schizophrenia – was initially stopped by Brazilian highway police in November.

MORE: Britain’s ‘oldest mobile phone in use’ has survived war zones and the washing machine
MORE: Australian man stuck in muddy dam survives by keeping his nose above water for hours

Helenice Vidigal, the Brazilian-Canadian police officer that picked him up, was given scant information from Anton, so set about tracing his family via social media.

She eventually got in touch with them in late December, and Anton’s shocked brother Stefan quickly got to work arranging his return home, organising a passport and flights.

A Gofundme page was launched to raise money to bring Anton back to Canada. It describes him as ‘a long time anti-poverty activist and member of radical communities in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto’. The page raised more than $12,000 towards Anton’s return home.

Stefan told CBC Toronto that he believes his brother hitchhiked some of the way to Brazil, as well as stowing away in the back of trucks.

He said: “I feel amazed that he’s alive and had made it that far.”

While his family worked to arrange his return home, Anton was placed in hospital in Brazil. However, he fled the ward and this time was found in the Amazon jungle. He was again placed in hospital in the northern city of Manaus.

Anton told BBC Brasil last week: “I know that I am very lucky to be alive. I am very happy to be able to return to my family.”

It’s not all good news, however. In Januaray 2011, Anton was involved in an altercation which led to him being charged with assault and weapons offences. He disappeared before his court appearance.

Toronto police say he has been arrested in relation to the outstanding charges, and released on bail.