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Matterhorn (archive image)
Photo: Jamey Keaten/AP
The wind conditions and fog did not allow a rescue: On the Matterhorn, a Spaniard hung on a rope for hours and overnight after falling from 4,200 meters.
This was announced by the rescue organization Air Zermatt.
The 51-year-old, who was only thinly clad and wearing running instead of hiking boots, but at least had roped himself up, was in a panic.
Specialists and his mother talked to him calmingly over the phone, as the police said.
Finally, early Sunday morning, a helicopter rose again.
A rescue specialist lowered himself to the Spaniard with the rope and tied him to his winch.
According to Air Zermatt, this is a highly dangerous operation.
During such an operation, the helicopter is directly connected to the mountain for some time via the mountaineer's rope attached to the mountain and could not turn away immediately in a dangerous situation.
The rescue specialist therefore has to cut the mountaineer's rope quickly.
The rescue went well and the man was brought to the ground.
kha/dpa
