Rescue Operation Completed Near Prophet Elias Summit
The rescue mission for a team of hikers trapped near the summit of Prophet Elias on Mount Taygetos was completed shortly before 21.00 on Sunday evening. The group had been stranded in a remote and difficult to access area at an altitude exceeding 2.000 meters.
Initial Alert and Mobilization
According to the Fire Service, the alert was received shortly after 13.00, indicating that a group of 8 hikers was located in a steep and rugged area near the summit. Emergency units were immediately deployed and successfully located and reached the group.
Injured Hikers Transported to Safety
The hikers were transferred to the EOS Sparti mountain shelter. As stated by Michalis Giannakos, president of POEDIN, 2 injured individuals were transported to the Sparti Hospital. One man suffered an ankle injury, while a woman presented multiple but non life threatening injuries.
Condition of the Group
Giannakos noted that a total of 8 hikers would be taken to the hospital, with 6 in good condition and 2 sustaining injuries that did not appear severe.
How the Accident Happened
According to ERT, the incident occurred when one member of the group slipped under unclear circumstances. As the hikers were roped together for safety, the slip caused the entire group to be dragged down the slope.
Statement by the Deputy Mayor
They were roped together and fell. They were dragged down the slope for at least 200 meters vertically. It was a big fall. A massive operation was needed to bring them down because they were very far from the last point accessible by vehicle. The operation took place on icy snow with a steep incline
stated the Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection of the Municipality of Sparti, Dimosthenis Kakouros, speaking to Star.
Challenges During the Rescue
Earlier, rescue teams had communicated with the group leader, who initially reported 4 injured individuals. This prompted the immediate deployment of a rescue helicopter from the Hellenic Search and Rescue Coordination Center, which however, was unable to reach the area due to strong winds.
Forces Deployed
A total of 89 firefighters took part in the rescue operation, including mountain rescue teams from the 1st and 6th EMAK, members of the 9th and 6th EMODE, and the IKAROS Peloponnese drone team. The effort continued under difficult weather and terrain conditions.
Official Statement by the Fire Service
The Fire Service announced that on Sunday 18 January 2026, they received an alert regarding the entrapment of hikers in a snow covered and inaccessible area near Prophet Elias on Mount Taygetos. A total of 89 firefighters from multiple units, mountain rescue teams, volunteers of the Hellenic Rescue Team, and a helicopter from the Search and Rescue Coordination Center were mobilized.
Outcome of the Operation
The coordinated actions led to the location of 4 injured hikers, including 1 woman and 3 men, in a remote snow covered mountainous area near the summit known as Pyramid. They were later transported to an accessible point where they were transferred to ambulances of the National Emergency Center. The operation concluded successfully on Sunday night.
