KOTA KINABALU: An overnight high-risk operation along a slippery granite slope to rescue a 46-year-old Croatian who tried to scale Mount Kinabalu illegally has ended successfully.
A rescue operation was activated on Sunday (Sept 6) after the climber, Mauro Persic, called for help after falling.
Rescuers breathed a sigh of relief after going past the most dangerous part of the route on Thursday (Sept 10) afternoon.
The main challenge they faced was to descend and ascend a steep slope that had limited footholds.
The rescue effort was hampered as they could not locate the man's exact location as he used uncharted routes to make his climb, in addition to other factors such as weather and visibility constraints and then challenges to secure equipment.
They fixed ropes and ladders and brought a stretcher to carry the Croatian, spending at least 24 hours in risky situations until they finally got him to safe ground at around 2pm.
The team managed to bring him down Mount Kinabalu's Timpohon Gate at 7pm and was later taken to the hospital.
The Croatian was all smiles after he was rescued after four days on the mountain.
"I am grateful, happy and I feel warm again after four days. It feels good," he said.
Ranau Fire and Rescue station chief Rantey Fred said they received a distress call at about 5.10pm on Sunday.
He said a total of 37 people from various units were involved in the rescue.
"The victim suffered injuries to his right leg and right rib," he said.
Part of the trail rescuers had to take.
Rescuers treating Persic's injuries before heading down the mountain.
Rescuers with Persic after they made it to safe ground.
