After a young hiker failed to return from a mountain excursion on Thursday, May 28, search and rescue teams discovered his body near the Zawracik peak following a multi-hour operation.
Search and Recovery Operation
The hiker’s sister reported him missing on Thursday morning after he failed to return from his trip. Based on photographs provided by his family, rescuers identified the Zawracik and Zawrat Kasprowy areas as the primary search zones.
Although an initial aerial search by helicopter yielded no results, an employee of the Tatra National Park later spotted a body near the walls of Zawracik. Nineteen TOPR rescuers were involved in the recovery, utilizing specialized rope techniques to access the treacherous terrain and transport the body to Kuźnice.
Accident Details and Investigation
Preliminary findings indicate that the hiker had strayed from the marked tourist trail. Investigators believe the cause of death was a fall from an approximate height of 30 meters.
Tatra National Park Safety Warnings
The Tatra National Park has issued a warning regarding hazardous conditions in the higher reaches of the mountains. Snow remains on portions of the trails, particularly on northern slopes, gullies, and shaded areas, making surfaces extremely slippery.
Park officials emphasize that hikers attempting higher elevations must possess winter mountaineering experience and appropriate equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets. Additionally, the park remains closed to all forms of skiing and snowboarding, except for the trail section between Morskie Oko and Rysy.