Firefighters rescue stranded climber near Peñas Blancas summit after dark. Photo Credit: Cartagena City Hall
A climber was rescued by firefighters after becoming stranded just 30 metres from the summit of Peñas Blancas in the Region of Murcia, when numbness in his hands left him unable to continue his ascent. The rescue took place after 9:00pm on Wednesday, October 14, when the man was climbing alongside a companion on the XL route, a popular climbing section of the rocky mountain near the Costa Calida municipality of Cartagena.
Stranded near the summit after hands went numb mid-climb
According to reports, the climber managed to reach a ledge where he could remain safely secured while his companion contacted the emergency services for help. Firefighters from Cartagena City Council leapt into action in response to the emergency, accessing the difficult-to-reach area via the Rambla de la Víbora. The rescue team then spent approximately an hour walking to the location, carrying the equipment needed to bring the stranded climber to safety.
Firefighters launch a difficult night-time rescue: Two men brought to safety
Given the challenging terrain and the darkness, rescuers first had to establish the man’s precise position before planning their approach. A drone was deployed to help locate him and allow the team to assess the situation. Firefighters subsequently set up a rescue operation using ropes and anchoring systems to reach the climber and guide him safely to the summit.
Once the first man had been brought to safety, the rescue team also helped his companion leave the area. Fortunately, neither of the two men suffered serious injuries during the incident. Both were reported to have climbing federation licences and were able to leave the area safely following the operation.
The challenges of climbing Cartagena’s Peñas Blancas
Peñas Blancas, which rises to 627 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the municipality of Cartagena. Its white rock face overlooks the El Cañar gorge and lies close to the Mediterranean coast, between Isla Plana and La Azohía. Although the mountain is not particularly high, its steep rock faces and difficult access can make climbing challenging, especially when an emergency occurs after dark.
The incident, once again, emphasises the important role played by emergency first responder crews in Murcia, who are regularly called to assist people experiencing difficulties in the region’s mountainous and coastal landscapes.