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Two Mountaineers Face Prosecution for Abuse of Mountain Rescue Services
Giving false information to the PGHM could result in a large fine or imprisonment
Two climbers will be appearing in court in Bonneville this June after a number of calls to the PGHM, one of which was to recover their bags and equipment after a failed climbing trip.
The two climbers first called the PGHM (mountain rescue) after apparently needing assistance on the north face of the Lagarde Couloir. The PGHM encouraged them to complete their climb.
Later on as night was falling the men made a second call, claiming to be suffering from frostbite and requested rescue. They were taken by helicopter to Sallanches hospital, and after they were released from hospital, apparently made a third call - this time to ask to have their equipment and bags returned to them, which the PGHM flagged to police as an abuse of their services. Not only that but they believed the pair weren't actually suffering from frostbite in the first place.
The men have been called to the criminal court in Bonneville on a charge of giving false information in order to get the emergency services to come. They could face a fine of up to 30,000 euros or up to two years imprisonment.
*Update Friday 19th June*
A 3,000 euro fine was imposed (half of which was suspended) by the criminal court in Bonneville yesterday.
