Stranded Climber Was Airlifted From Mount Fuji — Then Was Rescued Again Just Days Later at the Same Place

Mount Fuji in Japan has been the treasured objective of many hikers. Every year, thousands of people climb this volcanic terrain with adequate protection provided by the authorities, stated CBS News. However, a recent incident has made many think whether the hikers are taking undue advantage of the facilities provided to them. 

A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan made an emergency call on April 22, asking for help on Mount Fuji. He reportedly was exhibiting symptoms of altitude sickness while climbing and requested help. Authorities quickly made arrangements to airlift him and brought the individual to the hospital for further treatment. The man was hiking Mount Fuji out of season, as it is officially open to climbers only from July to early September. Though there are no extra penalties levied on individuals who choose to climb the terrain during the remaining months, it is not generally advisable.

The Chinese student reportedly lost his crampons (wheels attached to the shoes of hikers) and other personal belongings like his mobile phone during this hike, according to NBC News. Four days later, he returned to the site to look for them. He again apparently fell sick, and this time, the situation was supposedly so severe that he couldn't contact the authorities. Another climber informed the authorities about his condition. As per the other climber, the student was flat on the ground and shaking with abrasions. A team of rescuers found him on the Fujinomiya trail and carried him on a stretcher for 2,600 feet, where an emergency team was waiting for him. It is unknown whether the student managed to retrieve his cellphone and other things.

Officials claimed that the man again possibly suffered from altitude sickness. This condition is facilitated due to low oxygen levels in the blood, according to USA Today. As per Mt. Fuji Climbing, those who are afflicted with the condition, but continue to climb, further hurt their well-being. Symptoms also get more severe due to factors like lack of sleep and poor physical condition. Experts suggest that to prevent altitude sickness from happening, climbers should build stamina before hiking, as well as take breaks during the process.

After the whole incident went public, there were calls on social media to charge the hiker for the second rescue attempt, according to CBS News. Conducting rescue operations during the off-season is a difficult pursuit for officials. The weather in that period is not stable, and also, medical facilities along the trail are closed. Police have repeatedly requested individuals to either not climb during the off-season or practise a lot of caution. The hiker's identity has not been made public.

Mount Fuji is a popular pilgrimage destination that attracts thousands of hikers every year.  But it is not an easy pursuit to climb 12,300 feet of terrain. Oftentimes, it turns deadly, as evidenced by the death of six climbers in July 2024. The situation appears to have become more adverse as the fatalities in one single month crossed the total number of fatalities in the previous whole year. Though provisions have been made to limit tourists, clearly more is needed from both tourists and authorities to keep the destination safe.