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A 27-year-old Chinese student faced a perilous situation on Japan’s Mount Fuji, requiring rescue twice within just four days as he sought to retrieve a lost cellphone.
The unidentified climber initially required assistance when he developed altitude sickness near the summit, which is currently closed to the public. This first rescue occurred on April 22, after the student made an emergency call, informing authorities that his climbing equipment was also damaged.
On April 26, he returned to the Fujinomiya trail, situated approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, hoping to locate his cellphone and other personal items. Unfortunately, another climber discovered him incapacitated, suffering from altitude sickness once again.
“He was suspected of having altitude sickness and was taken to a local hospital,” a police representative informed Agence France-Presse on Monday.
The fate of his lost belongings remains uncertain, with no reports confirming whether he located the cellphone.
Though Mount Fuji’s climbing paths are officially open only from July to early September, there are no penalties for those who choose to hike outside this season. Additionally, climbers requiring rescue face no charges for assistance.
In light of this incident, Shizuoka police are advising climbers to exercise heightened caution. They highlighted that even in spring, travelers should be prepared for low temperatures and snowy conditions on the mountain.
Mount Fuji, reaching a height of 3,776 meters, is Japan’s tallest peak. Its formation traces back to volcanic activity over a million years ago, and it stands as a revered site for recreation, including hiking, camping, and relaxation. In 2013, the area was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, enhancing its status among international and local visitors.
In 2024, local authorities implemented an entry fee and limited the number of climbers on the most frequented trail to manage overcrowding and mitigate risks during challenging climbs. Similar regulations will be applied to additional main trails this year.
Last summer raised concerns about climber safety; five fatalities occurred in a single week. Reports indicate that on July 10, three climbers tragically lost their lives on one side of the mountain, and another death was recorded shortly after, involving solo climbers predominantly in their 60s and 70s. A week earlier, a 58-year-old man from Hong Kong also succumbed while climbing with his spouse.
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globalnews.ca