One hiker died and another was severely injured following a fall from a high altitude on Mount Rysy in the Tatra Mountains, with rescue operations hampered by severe weather.
The Rescue Operation
The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) headquarters in Zakopane received a distress call regarding the accident on Thursday, June 4, at approximately 2:00 PM. Two hikers had fallen, resulting in one fatality and one individual sustaining critical injuries.
Adverse weather conditions initially prevented the use of a rescue helicopter due to dense fog and a low cloud ceiling. A ground rescue team was dispatched, and the helicopter was only able to launch from the base in Zakopane after conditions improved.
Dangerous Conditions in the Tatras
Rescuers emphasize that high-altitude sections of the Tatra Mountains remain covered in snow, particularly on northern slopes, in gullies, and in shaded areas. The trail leading to Rysy contains extensive snow patches that pose significant risks to tourists.
Visibility is currently limited by fog and low-hanging clouds, which can easily lead to disorientation and wandering off marked paths. Authorities urge hikers to carry essential equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, and to possess the skills required to use them properly.
Previous Incident Report
On Thursday, May 28, a young tourist went missing in the Tatras. Despite an aerial search, the hiker was not immediately located until a Tatra National Park employee spotted a body near the Zawracik walls.
Nineteen TOPR rescuers were involved in that recovery operation. The tourist had been walking outside of a marked trail, and preliminary findings suggest the death was caused by a fall from a height of approximately 30 meters.
