Mountain rescuers locate and extract woman near Bulgaria's Vazova eco trail

On 25 July 2026 at around 17:30, a female hiker who had strayed from the Vazova eco trail near the village of Zasеле became trapped under a rocky overhang. Local cave rescuers, familiar with the area, alerted the Mountain Rescue Service of the Bulgarian Red Cross. Three experienced members of the Lakatnik Mountain Rescue Team arrived at the site despite steep, scree‑filled terrain and high summer temperatures.

The rescuers secured the woman, guided her back along the hazardous route, and handed her over to safe trail access at 19:05. The operation highlighted the team's regular training, familiarity with the region, and the importance of hikers carrying appropriate gear, sufficient water, a charged phone and informing relatives of their route.

Authorities confirmed that weather conditions were favorable, with temperatures between 4 °C and 12 °C in the higher mountains and sunny forecasts for the day.