After 14 hours they were rescued from freezing to death due to hypothermia. The rescue of the two athletes was particularly challenging due to extreme weather conditions. Neither rescue by air nor by land was possible.
Specialists climbed on foot
Finally, three specialists decided to climb the Matterhorn on foot to the site of the accident. In doing so, they were exposed to snow, wind, ice, fog and cold. At more than 3,500 meters, they discovered the two mountaineers in distress wearing low-cut shoes. The rescuers had to abseil down to them and pull the duo onto the normal route using a rope. This was followed by an extremely difficult descent to the winter camp in a hut.