Andorra Firefighters Rescue 7 Tourists, Including 5 Kids, from Storm in Encamp

Andorra's firefighters rescued seven tourists—five young people and two monitors—from a storm-battered area near the Pessons Circle in Encamp during the early hours of Monday.

The group contacted rescuers around 1:45 a.m. while attempting a mountain route toward Refugi de l'Illa. Harsh weather left them cold and frightened, prompting them to abandon their gear some distance away. A ground search team located them near 3 a.m., confirmed they were in good health with no need for medical aid, and helped retrieve their equipment. The firefighters then guided the group on foot to a safe zone at Grau Roig. None required hospital treatment.

The duty chief called the excursion ill-advised amid the forecasted storms, highlighting hikers' frequent oversights on weather, terrain challenges, and required gear. He emphasized carrying warm clothing and proper supplies to avoid risking rescue teams.

Under Department of Fire Prevention, Extinction, and Rescue tariff rules, the service may bill for such imprudent operations at about €35 per specialist firefighter per hour. Harsher conditions could have necessitated a nighttime helicopter.

In a separate incident, two hikers on Pic del Casamanya in Ordino called at 9:20 p.m. Sunday, disoriented by fog and lightly equipped. Following phone instructions from rescuers, they regained their route and descended independently, with no search team deployed.

The duty chief reiterated the need to check forecasts and equip appropriately before mountain outings. Officials have provided no further updates on costs or probes.