The Climb That Almost Cost Them Their Lives

Two climbers faced a terrifying ordeal on Tasmania's Totem Pole, a 200-foot sea stack, after high winds tangled their ropes.  Their successful ascent quickly turned to peril, trapping them on a narrow ledge near the summit. Contacting Tasmanian mountain rescue around 6 pm, the climbers reported their predicament.  Senior Constable Callum Herbert of Police Search and Rescue explained, "The climbers reported that due to high winds their ropes had become entangled and they were unable to reach safety."

Rescue efforts were immediately launched.  A helicopter attempt was aborted due to high winds, and a police boat rescue was also thwarted by dangerous swells.  As darkness fell, the climbers remained stranded.

Finally, at 11:30 pm, a rescue team reached the climbers.  The challenging nighttime extraction required each climber to be secured and moved to the mainland cliffs before being hauled to safety. They reached solid ground at dawn, exhausted but alive.

The rescue involved the Climbing Club of Tasmania’s vertical rescue team, the ambulance service, and police.  Constable Herbert praised the rescuers: "Members of the club conducted a complicated vertical rescue...partially scaling the Totem Pole in wet, dark and windy conditions."  He added, "The climbers were treated at the scene...aside from being hungry, tired and cold, they had no injuries. This was a particularly complicated rescue...done at night in cold, wet and windy conditions by a team of dedicated volunteers."

The Totem Pole's dramatic vertical walls make it a coveted challenge, but this incident highlights its dangers.  It serves as a stark reminder of climbing's unpredictable nature and the importance of preparedness.

The Totem Pole has a history of accidents. In 1998, British climber Paul Pritchard suffered a debilitating injury there. This latest incident underscores the need for caution.  The near-tragedy highlights the rescuers' bravery and the climbers' resilience, serving as a cautionary tale for anyone considering this climb.  Meticulous planning, awareness of weather, and respect for nature are essential. The Totem Pole remains a challenging climb, only for experienced climbers with proper equipment and an understanding of the risks.