A large-scale rescue operation has been underway since Sunday morning to reach eight climbers trapped high on Mount Taygetos, a rugged mountain range in southern Greece known for its steep terrain and rapidly changing weather.
According to Greek authorities, the climbers became stranded near the Prophet Elias peak, one of the highest points of Mount Taygetos, at an altitude exceeding 2,000 meters (about 6,560 feet). Under conditions that remain unclear, all eight reportedly slipped and ended up in a ravine, where they remain unable to move to safety on their own.
The Fire Service was alerted around 1 p.m. local time after reports that the group was experiencing serious difficulties in the area. Officials said there has been continuous communication with the leader of the climbing group, who informed rescuers that four members have been injured and require air evacuation.
The climbers managed to transmit their precise location to rescue teams, a development authorities say has been crucial in guiding the operation. Because their position is known, officials have stressed that the group is not considered missing, and efforts are focused on their safe removal from the mountain.
A total of 41 firefighters are taking part in the operation, including specialized mountain rescue units from the 1st and 6th EMAK teams, elite divisions of Greece’s Fire Service trained for search-and-rescue missions in extreme conditions. Also deployed is the 9th EMODE unit, which specializes in disaster response, along with the Peloponnese-based IKAROS drone team, providing aerial surveillance to support ground crews in the steep terrain.
A helicopter from Greece’s Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center is heading to the area and is expected to play a key role in the airlift of the injured climbers, weather and conditions permitting.
Mount Taygetos, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, is popular with experienced hikers and climbers but is also known for its hazards, particularly during the winter months. Authorities have not released further details about the climbers or the extent of their injuries.
The rescue operation remained in full progress as of Sunday afternoon.
