A 27-year-old student from China found himself in a precarious situation on Japan’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji. He was rescued twice in just four days after returning to the mountain to search for a cellphone he had left behind during his first climb.
The student, whose name has not been released, initially called for help on April 22 after experiencing altitude sickness near the peak of Mount Fuji. At the time, the mountain was closed to the public, and he had also damaged his climbing gear. Emergency services airlifted him to safety.
Despite the risks, the student returned to the Fujinomiya trail on April 26, approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, hoping to recover his lost belongings. Unfortunately, he fell ill again and was found unable to move by another climber. Authorities suspected he was suffering from altitude sickness once more, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment.
It remains unclear whether he managed to find his cellphone or other items during his second attempt. Following these incidents, local police urged climbers to exercise caution, especially since the mountain can be cold and snowy, even in spring.
Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters and is a popular destination for hikers. However, its trails are only open from July to early September. While there are no penalties for climbing off-season or for needing rescue, the authorities have recently implemented measures to manage the number of climbers on the most popular trails to enhance safety.
In recent years, officials have stressed the importance of careful planning for hikes, especially after a series of climbing-related fatalities last summer. As the climbing season approaches, it’s crucial for adventurers to be well-prepared and aware of the mountain’s challenges.