In brief
A Chinese university student, living in Japan, found himself in life-threatening situations after attempting to locate a mobile phone left behind during his climb of Mount Fuji, outside the designated climbing season. The 27-year-old first called for help on a Tuesday, requiring a helicopter rescue from the Fujinomiya trail, located at a daunting elevation of approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).
The rescue was necessitated when he lost his crampons, equipment crucial for maintaining grip on icy terrain, impairing his ability to navigate down the mountain safely. Despite previous warnings against climbing during the off-season, he made the risky decision to return to Mount Fuji days later, seeking not only the phone but other possessions left on the trail. This ill-fated return resulted in a second rescue operation on Saturday, after he was struck by altitude sickness. Authorities have reiterated the dangers of climbing Mount Fuji when the official climbing season is closed, which runs from early July to late September. During the off-season, all access routes to the summit are closed and harsh weather conditions can rapidly arise, complicating rescue efforts. Additionally, the medical facilities on the trails are not operating during this time.Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users criticizing the student's disregard for safety regulations, suggesting he should bear the financial responsibility for both rescue missions. The iconic Mount Fuji, at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), attracts over 220,000 climbers during the peak season, prompting local authorities to increase climbing fees as a measure against overtourism and to better manage the impacts of visitors on the environment and infrastructure.
