Young Mountaineers Rescued from Glacier Crevasse Fall in Chamonix
Twilight helicopter rescue for two alpine climbers
Two young alpinists were rescued by helicopter last night when one fell into a glacial crevasse in the Miage area of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Jérémy (25 years old, from Vivier-du-Lac) and Dylan (21 years old, from Marseilles) had reached the ridge of the Domes de Miage and had begun their descent via the glacier de Tré-la-Tête, roped together and wearing snowshoes. They are apparently both experienced alpinists but the fog and sleet made it a difficult mission.
At around 6pm Dylan disappeared into a crevasse, Jérémy attempted to rescue him but the rope was caught over the lip of the crevasse and he was unable to pull him back up. However, Dylan’s fall was halted by a snow bridge 15 meters below the surface of the glacier and Jérémy was able to secure his friend and call for help.
He placed a call to the PGHM (mountain rescue police) but the bad weather prevented them from sending out a helicopter straight away and they had to wait until 20:40 for conditions to improve. However, when help came it was from the highest level - Stéphane Bozon the commandant of the PGHM was on board to see the young men to safety, along with a mountain rescue officer and a paramedic.
Fortunately no medical treatment was required, Jérémy and Dylan were dropped off at the helicopter landing base in the Bois du Bouchet at 22:10 and the helicopter did one last sweep of the valley before calling it a day.
