Student Rescued Twice from Mount Fuji After Lost Phone Incident

A 27-year-old Chinese university student found himself in dire situations on Mount Fuji after trying to retrieve a lost phone. Initially rescued by helicopter while descending the Fujinomiya trail, he had lost crucial climbing equipment and was unable to continue. Despite being warned against climbing outside the specified season from July to September, he returned to the mountain days later, only to require another rescue due to altitude sickness. Local authorities have reiterated the dangers of off-season climbing as weather conditions can change rapidly, complicating rescue efforts.

In light of this incident, authorities in Shizuoka prefecture have emphasized their stance against climbing during the off-season, especially given the closure of all trails leading to the summit. The case has sparked public criticism, with some X platform users suggesting that the climber should bear the costs of the rescue operations. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), is renowned worldwide and has unique regulations in place to manage tourism and safety. In 2023 alone, over 220,000 climbers tackled the mountain between the official climbing months, reflecting its status as a beloved destination yet also highlighting the need for strict adherence to safety precautions during less favorable conditions.