The body of a missing hiker in Mount Siguniang was found on the afternoon of the 28th. Following the 2011 incident where an unauthorized climbing team lost contact with the outside world and barely made it out alive, this accident serves as another safety warning: hikers and outdoor enthusiasts should not take chances based on “probability.”
Domestic and international climbers ascending peaks above 3,500 meters must declare their climbing routes, plans, and other proposals to the administrative authorities, and these plans cannot be altered. This is a strict regulation set by relevant national departments.
The mountain tragedy that occurred during the Spring Festival in Mount Siguniang prompts reflection. This “hiker” entered the mountain to climb the challenging Third Peak without completing the necessary procedures with the Sichuan Mountaineering Association or the Mount Siguniang Scenic Area Administration, and also did not purchase an entry ticket. The Yang-surnamed guide who accompanied him lacked both a high-altitude support qualification certificate and a guide qualification certificate, showing a lack of professional experience. Because no information was left with the mountain management authorities, rescue efforts were somewhat hindered. Experts say that well-trained outdoor enthusiasts will not overlook basic common sense, including registration.
Similarly, in October 2011, a 14-person outdoor climbing team entered Haizi Gully in the Mount Siguniang Scenic Area and lost contact with the outside world. This group falsely reported their entry route and number of people. Although they eventually emerged safely after 13 days of lost contact, the rescue process was harrowing. Relevant departments deployed significant resources, expending manpower and materials for the rescue, and took many unnecessary detours.
A similar accident also occurred in 2009 when four Russians declared they would be camping and purchased tickets to enter the mountain. However, these Russian climbers ascended peaks above 5,000 meters and were caught in an avalanche.
Sichuan boasts abundant mountaineering resources, with the number and difficulty of its peaks ranking among the highest in the country. There are over thirty peaks above 5,000 meters, attracting hikers from all regions. Gao Min, head of the Sichuan Mountain Rescue Team, explained that according to statistics from the Sichuan Mountaineering Association, since 2009, the number and frequency of unauthorized climbs have increased year by year, with the trend of rule-breaking growing increasingly severe. Often, hikers quietly enter the mountains, and it’s only after an incident that their families and friends think to contact the scenic area and relevant authorities.
In European and American countries, adventure travel training is incorporated into leisure education, and adventurers must undergo a series of professional trainings before embarking on expeditions. In contrast, it is very dangerous for some domestic outdoor enthusiasts to go on “adventures” without professional training.
Some hikers take chances, thinking the probability of an accident is low and that there’s no need to “go through great lengths” to complete the necessary procedures. Little do they know, no matter how small the probability, once an accident happens, it becomes a 100% certainty.
During this year’s Spring Festival, the number of mountain climbers from across the country increased at scenic areas within Sichuan. Gao Min emphasized that to ensure the safety of “outdoor enthusiasts,” it is essential to comply with relevant regulations and climb legally. During climbs, if unexpected incidents occur, the scenic area rescue team can arrive at the scene as quickly as possible to secure precious rescue time. Climbers should not entertain lucky thoughts—evading tickets and climbing without registration are highly undesirable and dangerous behaviors.
The first fatal mountain accident during this year’s Spring Festival in Mount Siguniang, Sichuan, claimed one life. It is hoped that what remains is not just a sigh of regret.
