Two British tourists, a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were rescued by police helicopter after becoming stranded due to cold weather while hiking on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido, Japan.
The pair had entered the mountain in light clothing and became unable to move due to the dropping temperatures.
At approximately 6:10 PM on Tuesday, May 13th, the man contacted emergency services (110) from Mount Yotei in Kutchan Town, reporting that he and his female companion were unable to reach a mountain hut due to the cold.
The couple were found immobilized near the 9th station of the mountain, at an altitude of around 1750 meters (approximately 5740 feet).
The couple were found at around 1750 meters, which given the altitude would have likely been particularly cold as it approached the evening
A Hokkaido Prefectural Police helicopter was dispatched and successfully rescued the pair about an hour after their distress call.
The pair were rescued by a helicopter from the Hokkaido Prefectural Police
The woman, who was particularly affected by the cold, was transported to a hospital but thankfully her symptoms were relatively mild and she did not require treatment.
According to police reports, both individuals were ill-prepared for the mountain conditions, being dressed in light summer attire.
The man was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and shorts, while the woman was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and long trousers.
The couple, who are in a relationship, were visiting Hokkaido for sightseeing and are believed to have had no prior mountaineering knowledge or experience.
It seems like common sense to many familiar with Hokkaido that even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly during throughout the day and that shorts and a T-shirt would perhaps not be the best attire, especially if you intend to climb a mountain.
Mount Yotei, also known as “Ezo Fuji” due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji, is a prominent peak in Hokkaido.
Mount Yotei is known as ‘Ezo Fuji’ due to a similarity to Mount Fuji
Even in May, higher elevations of the mountain retain snow and experience significantly colder temperatures.
During questioning by the police, the rescued tourists reportedly stated that they “became unable to move due to the cold.”
This incident shows the importance of being prepared when undertaking outdoor activities, as mountain weather is highly unpredictable.
That being said, it’s clear in this case that the British pair were simply ill-equipped to deal with even the most basic of conditions that many experienced climbers would expect.
Source: FNN
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