Young Hikers Rescued from Alpine Distress in Styria

Two teenagers from Vienna were rescued on Saturday afternoon from a precarious situation in the district of Bruck-Mürzzuschlag, located in Upper Styria. The young individuals, aged 17 and 16, managed to call for help via their mobile phone, but the connection was lost shortly after. Approximately 40 rescue personnel, including alpine police, firefighters, and police officers, were dispatched to locate the teens, utilizing mobile phone tracking technology.

The incident occurred around 5:00 PM when the boys reported being in distress while hiking in the alpine region near Greith-Turnau. After the initial call, communication ceased, and they were unable to provide their exact location. Fortunately, one of the teenagers was able to re-establish a brief phone connection and relay GPS coordinates. They were located around 6:30 PM, having been hiking since 11:00 AM and growing increasingly fatigued due to the rainy weather conditions. Reports from the alpine police indicated that their hiking gear was inadequate for the challenging conditions they faced.

This incident highlights the importance of being adequately prepared for outdoor activities, especially in unpredictable weather. The swift response from the rescue teams demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in emergency situations. Authorities urge hikers to always carry proper equipment and to ensure they have a reliable means of communication when venturing into remote areas.