Rescue not possible

Alpinists on the Großglockner in distress after falling rocks

The RK1 rescue helicopter was also deployed.

(Bild: Wallner Hannes)

Two mountaineers were injured in a rockfall on the Großglockner on Sunday evening. The Czechs then made an emergency call, but the rescue proved to be extremely difficult and ultimately had to be aborted. 

The two Czech climbers were climbing the north face of the Grossglockner when they were injured by a falling rock. The men - 25 and 39 years old - then made an emergency call, but were at least able to reach the Glockner bivouac at 3205 meters above sea level on their own.

Weather conditions make rescue impossible
A rescue team consisting of the Heiligenblut mountain rescue team, the Spittal an der Drau Alpine Police and the RK1 emergency helicopter was put together immediately. "Due to the strong wind, however, the two alpinists could no longer be reached and rescued by helicopter," said the police.

"It's just too windy at the top"
Another rescue attempt also failed on Monday morning. "It's simply too windy at the top, so nothing works with the helicopter. We would have to ski up from the valley, but that would be too far. Especially as the two of them are not that badly injured and they are quite warm in the bivouac and have been provided with food," explains Klaus Brandstätter from the Heiligenblut Mountain Rescue Service.

"Due to heavy gusts of wind in the area, a helicopter rescue cannot take place on Monday. This was the result of a briefing in the afternoon," said the police. A new meeting will be held on Tuesday.