TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nine hikers without snow equipment on the South Third Section of the Central Mountain Range were rescued by helicopter over the Lunar New Year holiday.
A seven-member team began their ascent on Jan. 24 from Hualien's Ruisui Township with plans to descend into Nantou's Xinyi Township by Sunday, per CNA. During the climb, a female member around age 50 suffered a urinary tract infection, chest tightness, and an ankle sprain, prompting the hikers to call the fire department for help.
Since it would have taken four days to reach her on foot, the Nantou County Fire Department ordered a helicopter to airlift the hiker to a hospital on Thursday. The remaining six climbers also called for rescue due to weather concerns.
Weather forecasts before the Lunar New Year had predicted snowfall in the mountains. The fire department said the group encountered persistently low temperatures and snow accumulation.
Their clothing became damp, increasing the risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and shock. Due to a lack of snow gear, the hikers requested air evacuation from the mountain, but poor weather on Friday and Saturday prevented helicopter operations.
On Sunday, a National Airborne Service Corps helicopter took off from Hualien Airport and airlifted the six stranded hikers. Two other hikers on the South Third Section, who had been stranded at a campsite near the northern slope of Dongjundashan after their tent was damaged, also requested rescue.
On Sunday, eight hikers were evacuated by helicopter from the South Third Section. After landing in Xinyi Township, they left on their own.
The video below shows hikers being led to the helicopter:
