Polish Climbers Rescued After Being Stranded in High Tatras

The Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS) conducted a grueling, hours-long operation to retrieve two Polish climbers, aged 28 and 27, stranded on the southwest face of Batyżowiecki Szczyt in severe weather conditions.

The Rescue Operation

The Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS) launched a rescue mission for two Polish men who became stranded in exposed terrain on the southwest face of Batyżowiecki Szczyt. The climbers were also located outside of the designated climbing route. The operation lasted several hours and was conducted under extremely difficult weather conditions.

Rescuers initially moved toward the site on foot while alerting the Banská Bystrica hospital to the possibility of hypothermia. A Polish GOPR helicopter remained on standby but was unable to take off due to poor visibility.

Battling Harsh Conditions

Once conditions briefly improved, helicopters transported additional HZS rescue teams to the area to assist those already trekking toward the stranded men. Rescuers finally reached the climbers in the late afternoon, battling heavy rain, strong winds, dense fog, and temperatures near freezing.

Upon arrival, the climbers were soaked, hypothermic, and exhausted. After receiving warm clothing and being stabilized, they were lowered by rope to the base of the mountain, escorted to the Sliezsky Dom mountain hotel, and subsequently transported to Stary Smokovec, where they required no further medical attention.

Failure to Prepare

Slovak rescuers were highly critical of the climbers’ preparation. According to the HZS statement, the men lacked adequate technical equipment and gear, were not properly prepared for the terrain, had not sufficiently studied the descent routes, and lacked the necessary experience.

The rescuers noted that the climb was poorly planned regarding timing. The situation was further exacerbated by darkness, thick fog, and the inadequate brightness of the climbers’ headlamps.