Explorer on ‘world’s most dangerous’ expedition hasn't been heard from for 16 hours

Explorer Ash Dykes, who is embarking on a trek through the rainforest, has not been heard from for over 16 hours.

His team has confirmed that nobody has heard from him, which they described as 'concerning' in a shocking social media update.

Dykes, 35, is currently embarking on an expedition through the Congo rainforest and is kayaking 434 miles down a river known for crocodiles and hippos.

He is currently over halfway through the daring journey but has now not been heard from sparking worry about his whereabouts.

It is part of 'Project Six', which includes six expeditions in six different extreme environments as part of an ongoing adventure series.

Over the years the explorer from Wales has faced gruelling challenges while navigating the most dangerous jungle known to man since his journey began at the beginning of this month.

During the mission, his 1.2 million Instagram followers were kept updated as the team ran out of fresh water and battled with flies and mosquitoes, among other bugs.

His world records include trekking solo across Mongolia, hiking the length of Madagascar, and also being the first known person ever to walk along the full 4,000-mile course of the Yangtze.

A post shared to his Instagram page on Wednesday (21 October) read: “Please bear with us; it’s been more than 16 hours since we last heard from Ash and the team, which is concerning.

“We will endeavour to keep you posted and let you all know as soon as we hear more.”

The Congo Basin has a well-known reputation of being a dangerous waterway in sub-Saharan Africa.

The environment is a hotspot for tropical pathogens and, deep in the forest, is miles away from any health care facilities.

Mosquito-borne Illnesses like Malaria and Yellow Fever are a huge risk as are water-borne parasites.

Hippos and crocodiles as well as gorillas pose a threat to humans, as does the risk of extreme heat and exhaustion.

Just the day before, his latest Instagram post described the expedition as 'anything but easy', citing risks posed from 'gorillas, hippos, forest buffalo, relentless heat, exhaustion and the constant risk of illness'.

"We’ve faced plenty of challenges, and there have been doubters from day one," a post read. "We’re making it to that finish line. Just watch us!"

Ahead of the journey, he previously shared his plans and how he was preparing.

"Luckily I've got experience so that really helps but I've mentally prepared by visualising the absolute worst case scenario," he told UNILAD.

"I've studied it. I've looked at other people who have been attacked, what they did and the different methods they used."