Slovak rescuers save two Polish climbers in High Tatras

Two Polish mountaineers, aged 27 and 28, became stranded on the southwest wall of Batizovské štít at about 2,400 m in the High Tatras. Slovak mountain rescue service (HZS) launched a ground operation that lasted many hours in rain, strong wind, dense fog and near‑freezing temperatures. A Polish GOPR helicopter was on standby but could not take off due to poor visibility; later Slovak helicopters ferried additional rescuers to the site. Fifteen rescuers, including volunteers, reached the climbers in the late evening, provided dry clothing and warmth, and lowered them to a shelter near the Śląski Dom. The climbers were wet, hypothermic and exhausted but suffered no injuries and were subsequently escorted to Stary Smokovec. HZS warned that the climbers were ill‑equipped and insufficiently prepared for the terrain and conditions.