Tourist saved following unauthorized, off-trail ascent of Pico
Portuguese Air Force Rescues Dutch Tourist from Mount Pico
On July 25, the Portuguese Air Force successfully carried out a helicopter rescue operation to save a Dutch tourist who had infringed several rules while attempting to climb Mount Pico in the Azores. The rescue operation took place at 19:31 (local time) in the Areeiro de Santa Luzia area, which is located at 2,240 meters of height.
The tourist, aged 31, had climbed the mountain alone, without authorization, and off-trail, which is prohibited. The terrain on Mount Pico's trail varies and is considered quite steep, making it dangerous for unauthorized climbers. In this case, the rescue team of the Volunteer Firefighters of Madalena tried to carry out the operation but could not advance due to the cliff where the tourist was located.
The rescue team was able to remove the tourist from the location with the help of an aerial means, specifically a helicopter from Squadron 752 - Phoenix, of the Portuguese Air Force. The tourist was not injured during the rescue and was later transported to the Health Center of Pico for further examination.
Climbing Mount Pico without a certified guide is illegal, and penalties for unauthorized climbing include hefty fines. While the exact fines are not detailed explicitly in the provided search results, there is a recent report that a tourist faced a hefty bill after climbing Mount Pico without authorization, indicating that penalties are enforced and can be significant. Proper equipment and guides are required for legal ascent; guided tours cost roughly $90-$160 per person.
Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal, is a volcano with an altitude of 2,351 meters. Given the legal requirement and recent enforcement actions, unauthorized climbing can result in costly fines and possibly confiscation of equipment or forced rescue services costs. The mandatory use of certified guides ensures climber safety and adherence to regulations.
More information on climbing Mount Pico, precautions, and regulations can be found on the official website. It is essential to book a certified guide and use appropriate equipment to comply with legal and safety requirements when planning to climb Mount Pico.
References:
- Mount Pico Climbing Regulations
- Mount Pico Guided Climbs Prices
- Mount Pico Guided Climbs Reviews
- Tourist Faces Hefty Fine for Unauthorized Climbing of Mount Pico
- To ensure a safe adventure-travel experience when climbing Mount Pico, it's advisable to adhere to the government's guidelines, including booking a certified guide and using appropriate equipment.
- The government strictly enforces rules regarding unauthorized climbing of Mount Pico, as evidenced by the recent case of a tourist who faced a hefty fine, highlighting the importance of understanding lifestyle regulations when traveling.
