Challenging rescue operation below Triglav: climbers found frozen and dehydrated.
Last night in the area of the North Triglav Face, one of the more demanding rescue operations in recent times took place, the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia reported. Two foreign climbers got off the path and found themselves on very difficult terrain, so they had to call for help. Rescuers from GRS Mojstrana set out on foot to reach them and found them frozen, dehydrated, and severely exhausted. After a night spent in the wall, they were safely transported to the valley by helicopter.
On Saturday around 5 a.m., two foreign climbers entered the Slovenian Route towards Triglav. During the ascent, at an altitude of about 2,300 meters, they missed the exit from the route and ended up on very demanding terrain that is not suitable for safe progress in the current winter conditions. Darkness caught them, and when they realized they could no longer continue the path, they called for help at 10:30 p.m.
Trapped in the north face
As noted on the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia's Facebook page, due to the late evening hour, the helicopter could no longer take off, so the GRS Mojstrana team set out on foot to reach them. In extremely difficult winter conditions, they reached them just before 7 a.m.
The frozen, dehydrated, and severely exhausted climbers were treated, secured, and moved to a more suitable location by the rescuers, from where the Slovenian Army helicopter, with a combined team from the Mountain Rescue Association (GRZS) and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HNMP) team, safely transported everyone to the valley. The climbers suffered mild frostbite and dehydration effects.
Demanding conditions in the high mountains
Mountain rescuers warn that conditions in the high mountains are currently extremely demanding. "The snow base is unstable – in some places the snow is hard and icy, elsewhere soft and collapsing. Such conditions require a lot of experience, appropriate equipment, and proper judgment," they wrote.
They ask mountain visitors to plan tours very thoughtfully, monitor conditions, and in case of doubt, opt for a safer goal or return. "The mountains will wait," the rescuers add.
Source:
https://siol.net/novice/slovenija/zahtevna-resevalna-akcija-pod-triglavom-alpinista-nasli-premrazena-in-dehidrirana-foto-689654