'Lucky' Climber Survives 2,000-Foot Fall from Mountain
A climber in New Zealand should consider himself "exceptionally lucky" after surviving a nearly 2,000-foot fall down a mountain.
Over the weekend, a man was climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island when he suffered a major fall, sliding "down the mountain out of view," according to a release from New Zealand Police.
He was discovered approximately 1,968 feet from where he had previously been climbing, having only sustained "minor injuries," authorities reported.
"Thanks to recent spring weather, the ice had softened, and the snow caught the climber's fall," New Zealand police stated. "He is exceptionally lucky to be alive."
The man was reportedly climbing with a group near the summit of the 8,261-foot mountain at around 12 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 9 when the fall occurred. At the time, another climber, as well as a member of Taranaki Alpine Rescue, headed down to assist.
After locating the fallen climber, the pair assisted him down the mountain, as he had lost his ice axe and crampons during the fall.
As a result of the scary incident, authorities are reminding climbers of the serious dangers the area poses, while pointing out that Saturday's fall took place in the same area where two climbers "tragically fell to their deaths" two years ago.
"Climbing on Mount Taranaki requires experience, knowledge and properly fitted and correct equipment," the police statement warned. "Failing to be properly equipped could result in a very different ending to Saturday's story."
Authorities also provided a list of important safety precautions for other climbers in the area, including letting family and friends know where you're going and using the Mountain Safety Council’s free planning app.
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