VI
EN
On September 23-24, 2024 (local time), an emergency rescue operation on the Matterhorn summit in Switzerland successfully saved two Vietnamese climbers who were in distress at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. The treacherous terrain combined with harsh weather conditions, including snowfall, strong winds, and dense fog, created an immense challenge for the rescue team and the climbers.
Early on the morning of September 23rd, Air Zermatt's (Swiss airline) rescue team received an emergency call reporting two climbers in distress on the Matterhorn summit. However, the weather at the time was too bad to allow for rescue by helicopter or land. Three rescue experts from the Zermatt rescue station had to wait until 1 PM before they could begin their ascent, traveling via the Zermatt Bergbahnen cable car to Schwarzsee, and then continuing on foot. Upon reaching an altitude of 3,500 meters, they found the two climbers exhausted and suffering from severe hypothermia.
One of the reasons the two Vietnamese climbers were in such a serious condition was their inadequate equipment for high-altitude climbing. According to reports, they only wore lightweight athletic shoes and thin clothing, insufficient to protect them from the extreme cold and the treacherous terrain of the Matterhorn. In fact, climbing the Matterhorn without proper equipment is extremely dangerous, as the weather can change rapidly and the terrain is highly unpredictable.
The rescue operation was hampered by the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Unable to reach the scene by helicopter, the rescue team had to rappel down to the two trapped climbers and use a rope system to pull them back to the main climbing route. The team then struggled through thick snow and ice to reach a temporary shelter at Hörnli Hut. There, the rescue team and the climbers found safe refuge while awaiting an Air Zermatt helicopter to arrive when weather conditions improved.
At approximately 2:00 AM on September 24th, with the weather showing signs of improvement, Air Zermatt helicopters successfully completed two flights to the Hörnli Hut shelter to bring the two climbers and the rescue team to safety. The rescue operation lasted 14 hours, from the initial call to the safe arrival of everyone. After medical checks by Air Zermatt doctors, both climbers were fortunately unharmed and were able to return home.
Air Jermatt helicopters successfully transported victims and rescue teams to safety.
With its rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions, the Matterhorn presents a formidable challenge even for experienced climbers. This underscores the need for thorough weather checks, proper equipment, and a firm commitment to not underestimating the dangers of the high-altitude environment. A lack of necessary equipment and skills can lead to life-threatening situations. Fortunately, thanks to the courage and skill of the rescue team, the two climbers were saved, but without timely intervention, the situation could have been far more catastrophic.
The Matterhorn rescue is a clear demonstration of the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, as well as the ability of rescue teams to cope with dangerous situations. In the future, lessons from accidents like this will help improve safety for the climbing community and save more lives.
