Bihor mountain rescuers recovered two tourists caught by darkness in the Apuseni Mountains

Bihor mountain rescuers intervened on Tuesday night into Wednesday to recover two 19-year-old tourists who were left on the Galbena Gorges trail in Apuseni Nature Park after darkness fell. The two called 112 for help after their working light sources ran out.

The young people set out on their hike at around 12:00 p.m., but were caught by darkness in the Izbucul Galbenei area. They continued toward Bortig Cave, but one of their light sources broke down while the other was about to run out of power.

The mountain rescue team found them in the Bortig Cave area and provided them with warm clothing, as temperatures had dropped to approximately 4 degrees Celsius. The rescuers then accompanied them to their car, which had been left in Poiana Balileasa. The operation ended at around 1:00 a.m.

The mountain rescuers advise tourists to take the shorter days into account when planning mountain routes. After the switch to winter time, darkness sets in at around 5:00 p.m., so their equipment should include backup light sources.