Sounds like your friend has unfortunately and rather sadly discovered the possible down side of African Hunting.

Am I correct in assuming that he is an older gentleman ? Having been married for 38 years would put him around 60+ years old. Maybe that is why the P/H's were initially 'going slow' on him. At least he spoke up and got them motivated and is obviously fit enough to track for 16 kilometers.

I think this is a good example for only useing one P/H and one rifle. I hope his African hunting has not been terminated because of this hunt. He seems to have had no problems before this.

I know myself how gut wrenching it can be to lose an animal. Luckily the staff found mine dead 24 hours later. I would hate to be your friend and lose a Buff.