Tyrol’s mountain rescuers had to go on an incredible mission in East Tyrol! Despite the most unfavorable conditions, three alpinists climbed from the Lucknerhaus in Kals am Großglockner towards Ködnitzkees. Suddenly they got stuck and called 911. Their rescue took about 15 (!) hours – they were eventually brought into the valley unharmed.
You can’t help but shake your head at these scenes! Two 40-year-old Czech brothers – they are twins – and a 57-year-old compatriot climbed towards Ködnitzkees on Friday at 6.15 am with ski touring and climbing equipment – immediately after an eight-hour (!) night ride and despite the weather forecast, bad weather (rain, strong wind).
Snowfall, strong wind, minus 9 degrees Celsius
Unsurprisingly, the weather conditions did not improve – on the contrary: “Snow fell, strong gusts of wind occurred and temperatures dropped to minus 9 degrees Celsius,” police reported. Nevertheless, the trio climbed a gully on the south flank towards the summit. But the Czechs soon reached their limits and had to abandon their plan, as it was not possible to go up or down. They called 911 around 10:42 p.m.
Helicopter use was not possible
However, a rescue by helicopter was not possible for the reasons already mentioned, so 13 emergency services from the Kals mountain rescue service and a police mountain guide climbed to the Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte on touring skis in heavy snow and wind shortly after midnight. “They got there at 5 o’clock. As daylight approached, the emergency team continued to climb towards the climbed alpinists and was eventually able to locate them at an altitude of about 3,500 meters – in the area of the south face,” the police said.
A rope 200 meters long was needed
By abseiling over a 200-meter-long rope, they were then able to reach the alpinists and carry out the rescue under the most unfavorable conditions. The three uninjured but somewhat hypothermic Czechs were eventually secured and taken to the Erzherzog Johann Hut. After a short stay, the rescue continued further into the valley.
A total of twenty mountain rescuers, three alpine police officers and police patrols were present
The entire rescue operation took about 15 hours in total due to the enormous amounts of fresh snow, the darkness, the complex rescue operations and the ascent and descent over land – a climb of approximately 1600 meters in altitude. A total of twenty mountain rescuers and three Alpine police officers as well as the PI Matrei police patrol were on duty in East Tyrol.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
