Andorran Firefighters Aid Nighttime Rescue of Critical Skier in Catalonia

Andorran firefighters were on standby throughout Sunday night into Monday in an attempt to rescue a 50-year-old skier in critical condition at the Amitges refuge near Espot in Catalonia's Pallars Sobirà region.

The operation began after Catalan firefighters from the Generalitat requested support from their Andorran counterparts, who have the capability for nighttime aerial rescues. The alert came in around 9pm from the Bellaterra control centre. The skier was suffering from a severe pulmonary issue and required urgent helicopter evacuation to a medical facility.

Unable to fly at night themselves, the Catalan team activated Andorra's helicopter, which carried mountain rescue specialists and a paramedic. The aircraft took off but was forced to turn back near Organyà due to poor visibility that made further progress unsafe.

The Andorran unit remained on alert overnight in case weather conditions improved, but the aerial rescue could not resume. According to the Andorran shift chief, the team stood ready throughout.

Catalan firefighters eventually reached the refuge on foot after a three-to-four-hour approach. The skier was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital on Monday morning.