Andorran Firefighters Rescue Two Groups in Nighttime Pyrenees Storm Ops

Andorran firefighters carried out two nighttime mountain rescues amid Pyrenees storms on Tuesday, including a cross-border effort to airlift two climbers from Peguera peak in Spain's Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

The operations began with calls around 11pm on Monday. A hiker near Comapedrosa became stranded after heavy rain cut off her route in both directions. Firefighters dispatched a helicopter but were unable to land due to conditions. A rescuer was lowered via hoist to evaluate her, and she was then winched to safety. Ground teams confirmed she had no injuries and needed no medical attention.

Almost simultaneously, Catalonia's emergency services sought Andorran support for the climbers—a man and a woman—trapped by the storm on the final stretch of the Raiers route near the summit. Catalan rescuers noted the weather had halted their ascent. Lacking night-vision gear, they coordinated with Andorra's team and a Heliand helicopter suited for poor visibility.

Once conditions eased, the helicopter located the pair and flew them to La Seu d'Urgell airport. Ground support included Catalonia's Grup de Recolzament d'Actuacions Especials (GRAE) and staff from the Estany Gento funicular, who provided access. Medical assessments revealed hypothermia-related issues, prompting transfer first to La Seu d'Urgell Hospital and later to Andorra's Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital for further checks.

The rescues underscored ongoing cooperation between Andorran and Catalan services. No additional updates on the climbers' status were available.