A search and rescue team successfully recovered the body of a hiker, surnamed Lee (李), who was found dead on Chilai East Ridge in Hualien County after four days of extreme weather conditions. The operation involved both ground teams and air support, highlighting the treacherous conditions faced by mountaineers in Taiwan’s high-altitude regions.
Tragic Incident on Chilai East Ridge
Lee was part of a 17-member climbing group that embarked on a trek on Saturday, March 16. On Sunday, as the group ascended the mountain, they encountered worsening weather, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
According to a fellow mountaineer surnamed Pan (潘), Lee struggled to keep pace and eventually began to fall behind. While one member initially stayed with him, they later decided to move ahead toward a cabin for shelter, leaving Lee with food and a gas canister.
When the group attempted to check on Lee the following morning and were unable to reach him, they retraced their steps and discovered his body near the trail, showing no signs of life. A distress call was immediately made to local authorities.
Challenging Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Due to extreme weather, including persistent snowfall and icy trails, rescue teams were unable to immediately reach Lee or the stranded mountaineers. The National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) and the Hualien County Fire Department coordinated a rescue operation, but adverse conditions delayed their response.
On Friday, March 22, a helicopter carrying eight search and rescue personnel was deployed. The team had to navigate deep snow, frozen vegetation, and icy paths, making movement difficult without crampons and safety equipment.
After locating Lee’s body, rescuers covered him in a sked stretcher and airlifted him from the mountains. Wu Po-hsun (吳柏勳), the head of the Hualien County Fire Department’s Meilun fire brigade, stated that the recovery mission was carried out smoothly due to improved weather conditions that day.
Survival of Other Climbers
The 16 remaining climbers took shelter in a mountain cabin while awaiting rescue. After days of being trapped in harsh weather, they were successfully evacuated on Thursday, March 21, by NASC helicopters. Fortunately, none of them required hospitalization.
Lessons from the Incident: Safety Measures for High-Altitude Treks
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mountaineering in Taiwan’s unpredictable weather conditions. Experts emphasize the importance of:
- Proper Equipment: Crampons, ice axes, and insulated clothing are essential for winter treks.
- Group Coordination: Teams should stay together in extreme weather and avoid leaving slower members behind.
- Emergency Preparedness: Carrying satellite phones, distress beacons, and additional survival supplies can be life-saving.
- Weather Monitoring: Checking forecasts and avoiding ascents during expected storms can prevent accidents.
FAQs
What caused the delay in recovering the hiker’s body?
The recovery was delayed due to persistent snowfall, icy roads, and high-altitude conditions that made it unsafe for rescue teams to reach the site immediately.
Were the other climbers injured?
No, the 16 surviving climbers were successfully rescued and did not require hospitalization.
Could this incident have been prevented?
Better emergency preparedness, staying together as a group, and avoiding travel during severe weather conditions might have improved Lee’s chances of survival.
What challenges do rescuers face in Taiwan’s mountains?
Rescue teams often struggle with unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the risk of avalanches when responding to emergencies in high-altitude regions.
What safety measures should hikers take?
Hikers should carry proper gear, check weather conditions, inform authorities of their route, and always hike in teams.
