The climber develops altitude sickness again while searching for lost belongings
A climber who was airlifted from near the summit of Japan’s Mount Fuji due to altitude sickness last week was rescued again just four days later after returning to the mountain, authorities said Monday.
Officials are urging caution for those attempting to scale Japan’s highest mountain during its off-season.
The climber, identified only as a 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan, made an emergency call on April 22 and was airlifted after developing symptoms of altitude sickness, police said. His climbing irons were also reported damaged.
On Saturday, the student returned to Mount Fuji’s Fujinomiya trail at about 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) above sea level to search for his cell phone and other belongings left behind, Shizuoka prefectural police said. Another climber found him unable to move, apparently after he developed altitude sickness again, according to authorities.
Mount Fuji’s off-season conditions remain dangerous
Mount Fuji’s official hiking season runs from July to early September. Off-season climbing is permitted without penalty, and there is currently no fee or fine for rescue operations. However, the Chinese student’s second rescue triggered public outrage on social media, with some calling for him to be charged for the incident.
Shizuoka police warned climbers about the dangers, citing low temperatures and snow cover even in spring.
The 3,776-meter-high (12,388-foot-high) Mount Fuji, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, is a revered symbol of Japan. Once a sacred pilgrimage site, it has become increasingly popular with hikers.
New regulations seek to manage crowds and safety risks
To address overcrowding and prevent accidents, local authorities introduced an entry fee and capped the number of climbers allowed on Mount Fuji’s most popular trail last year. Similar measures are set to be implemented on other main trails this year to further enhance safety and protect the mountain’s environment.
