Mount Fuji climber rescued twice after going back for lost phone

A 27-year-old university student who climbed Mount Fuji outside of its official climbing season was rescued twice in four days, after he returned to look for his mobile phone.

The Chinese student, who lives in Japan, was first rescued by helicopter on Tuesday while on the Fujinomiya trail, which sits about 3,000m (9,800ft) above sea level.

He was unable to descend the trail after he lost his crampons - a spiked device that is attached to the bottom of climbing shoes for better traction.

But days later, he returned to the mountain to retrieve belongings that he left behind, including his phone. He was rescued again on Saturday after suffering from altitude sickness but is now out of danger.

Due to harsh conditions, people are discouraged from climbing Mount Fuji outside of the official climbing season that starts in early July and ends in early September.

All trails leading to Mount Fuji's summit are closed at this time, according to the environment ministry.

Following the man's rescue, police in Shizuoka prefecture reiterated its advice against climbing the mountain during off-season as the weather could suddenly change, making it hard for rescuers to respond. Medical facilities along the trails are also closed.

Posts by some X users criticised the man for ignoring the safety advice against climbing at the time, saying he should be made to pay for both rescue missions.

Renowned all over the world for its perfect cone shape, the 3,776m (12,388ft) high Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular attractions and authorities have in recent years taken steps to address over tourism by raising climbing fees.

In 2023, more than 220,000 people climbed Mount Fuji between July and September.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0w7xx0kk5o

Comprehension

How old is the university student who was rescued on Mount Fuji?
Why was the student first rescued from Mount Fuji?
What item did the student lose that made descending difficult?
Why did the student return to Mount Fuji after his first rescue?
What happened to the student during his second climb?
What time of year is the official climbing season for Mount Fuji?
What advice did police give after the student's rescues?
Why are medical facilities along the Mount Fuji trails currently closed?
How did some people online react to the student's actions?
How many people climbed Mount Fuji during the 2023 climbing season?

Discussion

Do you think the student should be responsible for paying the rescue costs? Why or why not?
Why do you think some people ignore safety warnings in dangerous situations?
What lessons can be learned from this incident?
How can authorities better enforce safety rules for mountains like Fuji?
What dangers are involved in climbing mountains outside of the official season?
Would you ever want to climb Mount Fuji? Why or why not?
How can Japan balance safety with tourism when it comes to popular attractions like Mount Fuji?
What equipment do you think is essential for mountain climbing?
Should climbing permits be required year-round, not just in the summer?
How do you think over-tourism affects famous natural sites like Mount Fuji?

Vocabulary

Rescue – The act of saving someone from a dangerous situation.
Crampons – Metal spikes attached to boots for walking on ice or snow.
Altitude sickness – Illness caused by being at high altitudes where there is less oxygen.
Official season – The designated time period when an activity is allowed.
Summit – The highest point of a mountain.
Discouraged – Strongly advised against doing something.
Harsh conditions – Difficult and dangerous weather or environment.
Over-tourism – When too many tourists visit a place, causing problems.
Retracted advice – A repeated warning or recommendation.
Belongings – Personal items or possessions.