Heroic Rescue: 9-Month-Old Baby Saved from Poland's Highest Peak After Parents' Dangerous Climbing Attempt

The video footage documenting this incident has gone viral, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation.

A Lithuanian couple has come under intense criticism after attempting to scale Poland's Mount Rysy with their nine-month-old infant during hazardous weather conditions. Unprepared for the challenging climb, the couple ultimately required a guide's intervention to rescue their baby, generating public outcry over their decision to endanger their child. According to TVP World reports, the parents had tried to ascend the 2,500-meter mountain, located on the Poland-Slovakia border, without appreciating the significant dangers involved.

During their attempt, the trail was covered with hard-packed snow and ice, necessitating specialized equipment, mountaineering experience, and constant vigilance. Despite receiving explicit warnings from guide Stoch, a Slovak rescue worker, and staff from the Chata pod Rysami mountain hut, the parents persisted with their climb while carrying their infant.

Upon reaching the summit, the couple finally recognized that the descent posed excessive risks and requested crampons and assistance from guide Stoch. He declined this request, explaining that tethering the group together could potentially endanger everyone—if one person were to slip, the entire group could be pulled down.

Stoch urged the couple to contact emergency rescue services as the only safe solution, but they refused, citing their lack of travel insurance coverage. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Stoch made the crucial decision to intervene personally. He carried the baby down the treacherous mountain terrain alone, navigating carefully through hazardous conditions. Thanks to his courageous actions, the infant was brought to safety.

The family eventually abandoned their climbing attempt and descended the mountain without reported serious injuries. The recorded footage of this incident has since circulated widely online, triggering extensive public outrage. Numerous social media users condemned the parents' reckless decision to bring an infant on such a dangerous climb without proper equipment or preparation. Many called for authorities to investigate the couple for endangering their child's life.

One commenter wrote, "It's unbelievable how they threatened the life of a babe. I hope the police will deal with it."

Another person remarked, "It's hard to understand why some parents would take such a risky decision with their child's safety at stake. There are countless ways to enjoy nature without putting a baby in harm's way." A third user commented, "Bringing a nine-month-old up a dangerous mountain without gear is beyond reckless—lucky the guide saved the baby."

Meanwhile, the mountain guide has received widespread praise and recognition for his heroic intervention and quick thinking during the emergency.

Mount Rysy stands on the border between Poland and Slovakia within the Tatra Mountain range. With an elevation of 2,499 meters, it represents Poland's highest peak. While popular among hikers and climbers, its trails present technical challenges, particularly during autumn and early winter when icy conditions prevail.

The Polish Mountain Rescue Service regularly issues warnings to hikers about checking conditions and using appropriate winter equipment, including crampons, helmets, and ice axes, when attempting these hazardous routes. The mountain's distinct geography and climate create a challenging and potentially dangerous climbing environment that requires careful planning, experience, and proper equipment. Despite these risks, Mount Rysy continues to attract adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts with its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.