30-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A 54-year-old woman lost her life today while attempting to descend from the summit of Mount Kinabalu, succumbing to the harsh conditions that can plague even experienced climbers.
The incident unfolded at the 8-kilometre mark of the descent, where the climber reportedly began experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. The severity of her condition prompted an immediate call for emergency assistance, reaching the Ranau fire and rescue department at 11:24 am local time.
Ranau fire and rescue department chief Ridwan Taib provided details of the rescue operation, highlighting the collaborative effort between various teams. “Upon receiving the distress call, we immediately mobilised our rescue team,” Taib stated. “The mountain guide accompanying the climber also requested additional support from Sabah Parks staff and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, recognising the gravity of the situation.”
Despite the swift response and the implementation of emergency protocols, the climber’s condition continued to deteriorate. Upon reaching a designated sick bay on the mountain, rescuers administered oxygen and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the aid of an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, these life-saving efforts proved unsuccessful, and the climber remained unresponsive.
In a final attempt to save her life, the rescue team and mountain guides carefully transported the unconscious woman down to Timpohon Gate, the main starting point for climbs up Mount Kinabalu. It was here that medical officers from the Ministry of Health conducted a final examination, ultimately pronouncing her deceased.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude climbing, even on well-trodden paths like Mount Kinabalu. Hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, is a constant threat in mountainous environments, where temperatures can plummet rapidly and unexpectedly.
Local authorities have handed the body over to the police for further investigation, as is standard procedure in such cases. The identity of the climber has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
