A German climber was rescued from the Austrian Alps over the weekend after being abandoned by his two companions during a dangerous ascent in deteriorating conditions.
The 20-year-old man was located at approximately 2,600 metres above sea level following a grueling 14-hour operation, according to the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service.
‘Life-threatening for everyone’
The trio began their climb along the Königsjodler trail on the Hochkönig mountain range on Saturday afternoon, ignoring poor weather forecasts and a reported warning from another climber, the service said in a statement.
“At around 2,600 metres, one of the three Germans was unable to continue and made an emergency call at around 7 p.m.,” the statement continued. “His companions nevertheless continued their ascent and reached the Matrashaus (2,941 m) that same night, despite the hut being closed for the season.”
A team from the Mühlbach Mountain Rescue Service was dispatched to reach the exhausted climber.
“Even the ascent was challenging for our rescue team due to the prevailing weather conditions,” said Wolfgang Haggenmüller, head of operations and local station manager for the Mühlbach team.
The operation was further complicated when a helicopter rescue crew was grounded due to the weather. Heavy snowfall overnight added to the difficulties, though rescuers reached the man shortly before midnight.
“He was roped up for the descent through deep snow. Around 20 cm of snow had fallen and the path was no longer visible; there was a risk of falling, and finding the way was very difficult,” the Mühlbach Mountain Rescue Service reported. “It was life-threatening for everyone. Amidst heavy snowfall and poor visibility, our team did not reach the Erichhütte until 8:18 a.m.”
Gerhard Kremser, district manager of the Pongau Mountain Rescue Service, said the climber likely would not have survived another night on the mountain given the conditions.
“This operation shows once again how quickly overconfidence, a disregard for warnings and poor route planning can lead to a life-threatening situation. Mountaineering also means turning back in good time,” he added.
Police have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident.
Also Read
- South African Police Arrest Five Suspects in Brutal Farm Attack Near Ventersdorp
- Financial Markets Daily: GMO’s $1M Bug Bounty, Plus500 Expands US Futures, XTB Outlook & AI Trading Trends
- Blaze Erupts at Fireworks Warehouse in Lebanon’s Metn District
- Reform UK County Council Leader Resigns After Leaked Staff Comments
