RANAU: A multi-agency search and rescue (SAR) operation concluded on Thursday evening after rescuers brought down the injured Croatian tourist who entered the Mount Kinabalu area without a climbing permit.
The 46-year-old climber, identified as Mauro Persic, sustained injuries to his right leg, right ribs, and minor cuts to his hands after falling on the mountain.
The rescue operation resumed at 7.07am on its fifth day, with teams navigating a challenging two- to three-kilometre stretch to transport the victim towards a staging platform.
Despite rainy conditions midway through the descent, rescue personnel moved the victim down in stages using a Robinson stretcher before reaching the KM6.5 platform at 3.21pm.
The teams subsequently utilised a body harness carrier piggyback system to transport the victim from Panalaban down towards Timpohon Gate.
All search and rescue personnel and the victim safely arrived at Timpohon Gate at 7.06pm, where initial medical treatment was administered by Health Ministry personnel.
Persic was then transported by ambulance to Ranau Hospital at 7.22pm under police MPV escort for further medical attention.
The search and rescue operation, which mobilised 43 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Sabah Parks, mountain guides, and porters, was officially stood down at 8pm.
