Climber rescued near Murcia summit after hands go numb during ascent

A climber required rescue assistance near Murcia's Peñas Blancas summit after his hands became numb, preventing him from continuing his ascent. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 14, around 9:00pm, when the man, accompanied by a friend, was scaling the XL route on the rocky mountain near Cartagena's Costa Calida municipality.

The stranded climber managed to reach a ledge where he could safely remain while his companion sought help. Firefighters from Cartagena City Council were dispatched to the challenging-to-access area via the Rambla de la Víbora. They spent approximately an hour reaching the location using ropes and anchoring systems, following a drone-assisted search to pinpoint the exact location.

Once the situation was assessed, the rescue operation proceeded, successfully bringing the stricken climber to safety and subsequently assisting his companion's exit. Neither the rescuer nor his friend sustained serious injuries, and they departed the area safely post-operation. Peñas Blancas, standing at 627 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Cartagena municipality, with its white rock face overlooking the El Cañar gorge and the Mediterranean coast.

Despite its moderate elevation, the mountain's steep terrain and difficult access can pose challenges, particularly when emergencies occur after dark. This event underscores the vital role of Murcia's emergency response teams, who frequently assist individuals facing difficulties in the region's mountainous and coastal areas.