Carried by teenager porter, rescued Croatian climber says Kinabalu ordeal broke his heart

KOTA KINABALU, September 14 — Croatian mountaineer Mauro Persic, 46, has reflected on the harrowing eight-day ordeal he faced on Mount Kinabalu, where he was found injured and alone. Reflecting on the experience, the rescued climber admitted that the journey tested his limits, but ultimately reaffirmed his faith in the goodness of humanity.

The rescue operation, which involved a team of 40 individuals, highlighted the lengths that people would go to in order to save a life. One of the most poignant moments for Persic was when he was carried down the mountain by a teenage porter, estimated to be around 15 years old. Witnessing the young porter's physical exertion as he helped Persic, it was a stark reminder of the toll the rescue had taken on the rescuers and porters alike.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal, Persic acknowledged the generosity, kindness, and care shown by those who risked their own safety to aid him. The rescued climber was treated to provisions such as food, chocolate, and snacks, and spent time with fellow rescuers around campfires, sharing laughter and camaraderie as they worked to bring him down safely.