ÖAMTC Air Rescue: First Nighttime Wind Rescue by Christophorus 14

Mountaineer Rescued in the Gesäuse After Dark.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Christophorus 14 carried out its first nighttime mountain rescue: Around 10 p.m., the crew was dispatched to assist a two-person rope team at the Hochtor in the Gesäuse. The climbers, at an altitude of about 2,100 meters, were exhausted and could no longer descend to the valley on their own.

After assessing the situation, the helicopter landed at a staging area in Johnsbach, where the necessary equipment was prepared. In two winch operations, the two mountaineers were safely rescued and handed over to the Admont Mountain Rescue Service.

Marco Trefanitz, Managing Director of ÖAMTC Air Rescue

"This operation clearly demonstrates that our crews can provide assistance quickly, safely, and professionally even under the most challenging conditions —in this case, in the dark, at high altitudes, and in alpine terrain."