Rescuers airlift stranded climber from Styrian alpine terrain

Mountain rescuers on Monday recovered an uninjured 63-year-old climber from Vienna after he became stranded in difficult terrain near the Heukuppe mountain in Altenberg, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reported.

The man had apparently strayed from his planned climbing route and could neither move forward nor turn back. Rescue teams from Mürzzuschlag, an alpine police officer and the police helicopter Libelle were sent to the scene shortly after 11 a.m.

The well-equipped climber had planned an easy climbing tour on the Heukuppe but is believed to have taken the wrong route and ended up in impassable terrain. He was recovered by winch after a short time.

Police advised people to prepare carefully for tours in alpine terrain. Authorities are now checking whether the climber had prepared adequately. If not, he could be charged for the cost of the rescue operation.