Incorrectly equipped: rescue operation for four hikers
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Mountain rescuers and helicopters made it possible to save four hikers and a dog from mountain distress on Saturday evening on the Schafberg near St. Gilgen (Flachgau). The Germans and Upper Austrians were insufficiently equipped for the icy terrain.
For their ascent to the 1,783 meter high Schafberg, the hikers had chosen the route via the Himmelspforte on the steep, rocky north side. Both the two German women – 24 and 26 years old – and the two Upper Austrians – a 33-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man – were not sufficiently prepared for this, the police reports. They wore only light hiking boots and did not have the crampons or ice axes that would have been necessary for the icy final climb on the north side.
Two helicopter missions required
A good 50 meters below the summit, the hikers could not go any further: The 26-year-olds developed health problems around 5 p.m. She alerted the emergency services and was flown to the hospital in Vöcklabruck by helicopter. The other two women were rescued a little later by rope rescue from the helicopter and brought down into the valley. The man with the dog was safely brought to the top of the Schafberg on foot by mountain rescuers by 8:00 p.m. and transported from there down into the valley.
Appeal: pay attention to good equipment, turn around in time
The alpine police therefore appeals to pay attention to the snow and ice conditions in the mountains when planning the tour: There is still some hard, icy snow on the north side and near the summit, which requires appropriate equipment such as sturdy shoes and crampons. Anyone who does not have this should turn back in good time in order to prevent deployments and deployment costs.