Hiker Falls 66 Stories Deep Near Yushan Main Peak, Body Retrieved by Helicopter
A 6-person climbing team was descending Yushan Main Peak when a hiker surnamed Cai accidentally fell about 66 stories deep near the leeward section. The Nantou County Fire Bureau launched a rescue operation. The body was airlifted out of the mountain by helicopter on May 16th and handed over to the police. The rescue was challenging due to the steep, slippery terrain and poor visibility caused by fog from a weather front. The fire bureau advised hikers to assess their fitness and weather conditions and be properly equipped.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 14:56
- 🔍 Collected: May 16, 2026 at 15:01 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 16, 2026 at 15:07 (6 min after Collected)
A 6-person climbing team was on their return journey from Yushan Main Peak when a hiker surnamed Cai accidentally lost his footing and fell approximately 66 stories deep near the leeward section of the peak. The Nantou County Fire Bureau was notified and initiated a rescue operation. The body was airlifted out of the mountain by helicopter today, May 16th, and subsequently handed over to the police for further processing.
The fire bureau received the report of Cai's fall early yesterday morning and immediately activated the mountain rescue mechanism. Initially, four firefighters were dispatched to the mountain, accompanied by two police officers from the Tataka Squad of the Sixth Detachment of the National Police Agency's Seventh Special Police Corps.
To expedite the rescue, three staff members from the Paiyun Management Station of the Yushan National Park Administration, who were closest to the accident site, proceeded to search first.
Around 9 a.m. yesterday, the first team of rescuers located Cai about 200 meters below the trail in a valley approximately 66 stories deep. He was assessed to have no vital signs.
The fire bureau stated that the accident site was steep and extremely slippery. Rescuers could only initially secure the body with ropes to prevent it from sliding further. Furthermore, due to the influence of a weather front, Yushan mountain areas have experienced dense fog and low visibility for several consecutive days. After assessing weather information, helicopter retrieval was deemed impossible. Consequently, four additional specialized mountain rescue personnel were dispatched. They overcame the difficulties of long-distance transport by carrying the body in rotation and using rope dragging methods.
Under the perilous conditions, rescuers successfully carried the body to a clearing on the trail at 6:34 a.m. today. As the fog in the mountain area slightly dispersed, the on-site commander applied for helicopter support from the Ministry of the Interior's Aerial Operations Corps. The helicopter landed at the National Fire Agency's Training Center at 8:50 a.m. and the body was handed over to the police.
The fire bureau added that due to recent weather impacts in the mountainous areas, trails are extremely slippery and muddy, with some sections posing risks of rockfalls. They urge the public to thoroughly assess their physical fitness and weather information before entering the mountains, to be equipped with warm and anti-slip gear, and to avoid forcing climbs in adverse weather to ensure safety. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150516
The fire bureau received the report of Cai's fall early yesterday morning and immediately activated the mountain rescue mechanism. Initially, four firefighters were dispatched to the mountain, accompanied by two police officers from the Tataka Squad of the Sixth Detachment of the National Police Agency's Seventh Special Police Corps.
To expedite the rescue, three staff members from the Paiyun Management Station of the Yushan National Park Administration, who were closest to the accident site, proceeded to search first.
Around 9 a.m. yesterday, the first team of rescuers located Cai about 200 meters below the trail in a valley approximately 66 stories deep. He was assessed to have no vital signs.
The fire bureau stated that the accident site was steep and extremely slippery. Rescuers could only initially secure the body with ropes to prevent it from sliding further. Furthermore, due to the influence of a weather front, Yushan mountain areas have experienced dense fog and low visibility for several consecutive days. After assessing weather information, helicopter retrieval was deemed impossible. Consequently, four additional specialized mountain rescue personnel were dispatched. They overcame the difficulties of long-distance transport by carrying the body in rotation and using rope dragging methods.
Under the perilous conditions, rescuers successfully carried the body to a clearing on the trail at 6:34 a.m. today. As the fog in the mountain area slightly dispersed, the on-site commander applied for helicopter support from the Ministry of the Interior's Aerial Operations Corps. The helicopter landed at the National Fire Agency's Training Center at 8:50 a.m. and the body was handed over to the police.
The fire bureau added that due to recent weather impacts in the mountainous areas, trails are extremely slippery and muddy, with some sections posing risks of rockfalls. They urge the public to thoroughly assess their physical fitness and weather information before entering the mountains, to be equipped with warm and anti-slip gear, and to avoid forcing climbs in adverse weather to ensure safety. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150516
FAQ
What happened to the hiker on Yushan Main Peak?
A hiker surnamed Cai fell approximately 66 stories deep near the leeward side of Yushan Main Peak and was later found deceased.
When did the rescue operation take place?
The rescue operation was initiated after the report of the fall yesterday, and the body was airlifted out on May 16th.
What were the challenges faced during the rescue?
The rescue was challenging due to the steep and slippery terrain, poor visibility caused by fog from a weather front, and the depth of the fall.
What advice is given to hikers?
Hikers are advised to assess their physical fitness and weather conditions, be equipped with warm and anti-slip gear, and avoid climbing in adverse weather.