site.btaMilitary Helicopter Evacuates Three Climbers in Rila Mountains

An AS 532 AL Cougar helicopter from Bulgaria’s Air Force 24th Air Base in Krumovo was deployed to rescue a severely injured climber and his companions near Mount Dvuglav in the Rila Mountains, the Defence Ministry reported.

The operation required military support as the climbers were stranded in a difficult-to-access area.

The helicopter took off at 13:02 hrs from the air base. A hoist was used to lift the three injured climbers. They were transported to the Mecha Polyana area near the Malyovitsa complex, where they received further medical assistance.

The helicopter then made a second approach to evacuate eight rescuers from the Mountain Rescue Service who had participated in the operation.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Mountain Rescue Service, with authorization from Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov and under orders from Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, the ministry said.