The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service helped the hikers on the best-known Croatian mountain.
In the last night’s dramatic rescue operation, which started at 9.30 pm and ended 3.30 am, the Lika branch of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) found and rescued two hikers who got lost storm during a storm, reports Večernji List on August 27, 2018.
“The HGSS station in Gospić received a call from two hikers located in the area of central Velebit, near the Šatorina and Matijević Brijeg peaks. After a long walk, the hikers were struck by stormy weather which refused to die down. Strong rains, gale-force wind, low clouds and night were the reasons why the hikers left a marked path and, while attempting to return to the path, completely lost their orientation in space,” said Josip Brozičević, head of the HGSS Gospić station, adding that the hikers could not pinpoint the exact location where they were.
“The situation necessitated a rapid response from the rescue team, so the intervention team went to the field immediately after the call was received. Under very difficult weather conditions, with virtually no visibility, we found the lost mountaineers at around 2 am. We immediately evacuated them, made them warm and led them to the Ograđenica shelter under the Matijević Brijeg peak. Because of low body temperatures, the hikers moved very slowly, but the walk helped them maintain the temperature. At 3.30 am, the rescuers brought the hikers to the shelter, where they were provided with necessary aid and an opportunity to rest. The rescue workers needed another several hours to return to their homes,” announced the HGSS.
“Yes, that is Velebit, a strange and unpredictable mountain, not forgiving any mistakes even during the summer months. This time we again reacted in a timely fashion. We did our best to save the lives of unlucky mountaineers. Above all, we appreciate and respect the mountain, she is our ally and perhaps that is the reason why she allowed us to successfully complete this rescue operation,” concluded the HGSS.
Translated from Večernji List (reported by Frane Šarić).
