A “British” climber is being investigated by police after a 43-strong team spent five days rescuing him from a mountain.
The search and rescue operation began on 6 September after Mauro Persic called for help following a fall while climbing Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia.
Due to the challenging terrain and heavy rain, it was only last Thursday (10 September) that the 46-year-old was finally brought down the mountain.
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Persic was carried downhill using a body harness carrier and piggyback method before being taken by ambulance to Ranau Hospital.
The ordeal left him with injuries to his right leg and right ribs, as well as minor cuts to his hands, as reported by Need To Know.
In total, Persic had spent eight days alone on Mount Kinabalu, which, at 4,095m (13,435ft), is Malaysia’s highest mountain.
He suffered the accident on the fifth day, when he lost his grip, slipped and tumbled 10m (33ft) down a gully.
He said he managed to raise the alarm by “moving around in that little space” until he managed to catch “a weak signal”.
While receiving treatment in hospital, Persic was placed under police detention amid an investigation into allegations that he climbed without a permit and took an unofficial route.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin told local media: “The police and Sabah Parks are investigating the case and looking into what action should be taken.
“After that, perhaps once he has recovered, we will deal with it.”
Local media report that Persic could face a fine over the alleged violations.
Persic wrote on social media: “Was it all worth it? I don’t know. Probably not. Broken body. 40 people risking their lives to save one.
“But still, I’ve seen the very best of humanity showing up these days: generosity, kindness and care.”
According to his social media, Persic is from Pula, Croatia, but has been living in the UK since 2010.
He is listed as the founding director of London-based architectural design company Gamut Building Solutions, a position he has held since 2014.
He believes one of his rescuers was only about 15 years old.
He wrote: “One of the porters was so young, perhaps 15 yrs; I could feel each impact of his legs and knees. It broke my heart that I’m contributing to this.”
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