Student rescued twice from Mount Fuji days apart and his reason for returning was unbelievable
Topics: World News, News, Health
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images
Topics: World News, News, Health
It's not every day you get rescued from the top of a mountain not once but twice, however this is exactly what happened to one student after he attempted to climb up Mount Fuji in Japan.
The student, aged 27, decided to try and climb the mountain outside of its climbing season, which typically runs from early July to early September, but ended up having to be rescued just a few days apart.
The first rescue took place on 22 April, when the student had to be airlifted by helicopter on the Fujinomiya Trail.
It's reported that he found himself unable to descend down the trail after misplacing his crampons, which is a type of traction device that attaches to footwear.
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The incident was pretty unfortunate, but what was even more shocking was that the student returned to the mountain a few days later to try and find some belongings that he left on the Tuesday, including his phone.
Rescuers carried the student out on a stretcher from the Fujinomiya Trail, which sits about 10,170 feet high.
Another climber had spotted him 'lying on the ground and shaking with abrasions'.
Following his second rescue on the Saturday, the student was found to be suffering from altitude sickness, but is now safe and recovering.
It's not recommended to climb Mount Fuji during the off-peak season, and for good reason.
This is due to harsh weather conditions including violent gusts of wind, treacherous snowstorms and icy conditions.
According to the website Mt. Fuji Climbing, causes of accidents out of season often include: lack of information about the weather; not having sufficient equipment; lack of knowledge and experience and 'overconfidence'.
All trails to the summit are currently closed until the season begins in July, as are the medical facilities on site.
Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and in 2023, over 223,000 people climbed the mountain between July and September.
Hikers should make reservations beforehand, meanwhile a fee of 4,000 yen (£20.95) is also required.
The payment was introduced last year in order to limit the number of tourists on the mountain.
The decision came after complains of litter, pollution and crowded trails that were causing safety concerns.
Hikers are also advised to undergo training before taking on the mountain, which is known for its challenging terrain.