Struggling Family with Three Kids in Desperate Situation in Bergnot, Germany
Baden-Württemberg Family Rescued After 17-Hour Mountain Trek in Austria
Werfenweng, Austria - A family from Baden-Württemberg near Heidelberg embarked on an ill-prepared mountain expedition in the Tennen Mountains of Salzburg state, Austria, resulting in a 17-hour ordeal and hypothermia.
The family comprised parents and children aged 8, 10, and 14. The inadequate preparedness of the group, their worn-out equipment, and the old snowfields led to a challenging seven-hour trek being recommended against by the Ellmau hut keeper.
Setting off from the Ellmau hut at 8:30 a.m., the family aimed to reach the Solden hut at around 2,500 meters above sea level via the Hochthronleiter route. The hut keeper, advised of their plans, cautioned against the tour due to the treacherous conditions.
Throughout the day, the father frequently phoned the hut keeper, anticipating a later arrival, until 11 p.m., when he finally contacted emergency services, revealing the family's inability to progress and their location near the Tauern saddle (2,100 meters).
Eleven mountain rescuers from the Werfen local station responded to the alert, reaching the German family. They were transported to the hut, secured with ropes, during the early hours of Saturday, arriving at 3:15 a.m. Operation leader Stefan Koller reported that the family arrived chilled, necessitating the provision of warm clothing on the mountain.
The family lacked crucial equipment for the challenging hike, such as rain gear, headlamps, and bivouac bags. The mountain rescue service stressed the importance of planning ahead, taking weather conditions and snow situations into account.
For safer mountain tours, applying essential safety measures and equipping oneself appropriately can minimize risks and enhance enjoyment. Proper gear includes climbing gear, such as ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and carabiners, as well as well-insulated, waterproof clothing, sleeping gear, headgear, and gloves for warmth. Navigation and communication tools, such as maps, compasses, GPS devices, and satellite phones, are vital for emergencies, while hydration and nutrition supplies are essential for maintaining energy throughout the trek.
When mountaineering, always monitor weather forecasts, limit group sizes, create an emergency plan, ensure adequate rest and hydration, seek out local guides, and provide thorough training in safety equipment and emergency procedures.
The lack of appropriate equipment, including rain gear, headlamps, and bivouac bags, contributed to the challenging mountain expedition faced by the family from Baden-Württemberg. Despite the strong caution from the Ellmau hut keeper, the family continued their journey on the Hochthronleiter route, leading to a 17-hour ordeal and a subsequent rescue by mountain rescuers from Werfen. Meanwhile, a general-news report surfaced about a sports team from Austria suffering injuries in a tragic accident during a training session.
