National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS)/Swiss Climber Who Fell on Rinjani Evacuated by Helicopter
A Swiss tourist, Benedikt Emmenegger, 46, was successfully evacuated from Mount Rinjani on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, following a fall during a descent from the summit. He was found in stable condition but sustained a bone fracture and required medical evacuation.
Incident Occurred During Descent Toward Segara Anak
According to Yarman, Head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Agency (Balai Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani/BTNGR), Emmenegger began his ascent on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, via the Sembalun route. He was accompanied by four others, including his child. The incident occurred while the group was descending toward Segara Anak Lake after reaching the summit.
From the circulated video footage, the victim appeared to receive temporary aid from local guides and porters. He was seen lying on his back, wrapped in an aluminum foil thermal blanket.
“We received confirmation from the guide that the hiker fell between the summit and Pelawangan,” Yanmar, head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR), said on Wednesday.
Multi-Agency Response Mobilized
According to him, Emmenegger has insurance coverage, and the evacuation by helicopter is likely. “But we need to see if the helicopter can land at the location where he fell,” Yarman added.
He could not yet confirm if the fall occurred on particularly difficult terrain, stating, “All terrains in the mountain are difficult; we have to be ready and careful.”
A joint rescue team from BTNGR and Edelweis Medical Health Center (EMHC) reached Post 4 on the mountain and continued toward the accident site to administer first aid and prepare for medical evacuation.
Saidar Rahmanjaya, Head of Operations and Alert Section at the Mataram Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, confirmed that the SAR Kayangan team had also been deployed to the location.
“This rescue operation involves coordinated efforts across various agencies and elements, such as the BTNGR, the Indonesian Military, the National Police, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the East Lombok SAR Unit, EMHC, Rinjani Squad, Fire Department, Rinjani Volunteers, porters, guides, and other relevant parties,” Saidar elaborated.
“The entire joint team is currently working together to reach the victim’s location and provide assistance as soon as possible.”
Helicopter Deployed from Bali for Evacuation
Efforts were further supported by air assistance from Bali. I Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, coordinated directly with SGi Air Bali to mobilize a helicopter. The aircraft was deployed at approximately 15:45 Central Indonesia Time (WITA).
Despite facing limited visibility due to fog, the SGi Air Bali helicopter successfully reached the rescue site around 16:22 WITA. Emmenegger was then airlifted from the mountain and transported back to Bali.
Evacuation Completed and Medical Care Ongoing
The helicopter carrying Emmenegger landed in Bali at around 17:30 WITA. Upon arrival, he was taken to BIMC Hospital for further medical treatment.
As of the latest update, no additional complications have been reported. The rescue operation has concluded, and Emmenegger remains under professional medical care in Bali.
