In a significant development for Nepal’s mountaineering and trekking communities, a new SAR (Search and Rescue) helicopter detection system has been launched, marking the first of its kind in the country. The pioneering technology, introduced by RECCO, a leading company in the development of rescue systems, aims to enhance the safety of mountaineers and trekkers by providing advanced solutions for quick and efficient search operations.
RECCO has expanded its network of helicopter detectors and brought the new SAR system to Nepal, which will be particularly valuable for rescuing individuals who have gone missing in the country’s challenging mountaineering and trekking zones. With the launch of this technology, Nepal has become the 11th country in the world to implement the RECCO SAR helicopter detector system, which is poised to revolutionize search and rescue operations across the country’s rugged mountain terrains.
The RECCO SAR system will play a crucial role in rescuing people who have lost their way or encountered emergencies while trekking or mountaineering. The system works by detecting specific reflectors worn by individuals, enabling rescuers to locate them quickly.
As part of its implementation, RECCO has trained key personnel in Nepal, including the crew of Simrik Air and six members of the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA). These individuals Chiring Pande Bhote, Pemba Tenzing Lama, Tul Singh Gurung, Abiral Rai, Dawa Sange Sherpa, and others received specialized training in the operation of the new system, which was conducted by Swiss rescue experts Bruno Zelk and Matthias Hofer, along with RECCO trainer Chiring Pande Bhote. The training took place in the popular trekking regions of Pokhara and Annapurna.
The introduction of this cutting-edge technology in Nepal has been hailed as a major milestone for the country’s search and rescue capabilities, particularly in the context of mountaineering, which is an integral part of Nepal’s tourism industry. According to Tul Singh Gurung, the President of the Nepal National Mountaineering Promotion Association, the RECCO system is an invaluable tool for rapid search and rescue operations in the Himalayas.
He noted that the system is especially useful in locating missing individuals in remote areas, where traditional methods of search and rescue can be slow and ineffective. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the RECCO SAR helicopter detector’s ability to fly up to altitudes of 6,000 meters, making it an essential tool for locating people in avalanche-prone areas.
In addition to its functionality in mountain rescue operations, Gurung expressed gratitude to the RECCO team and training providers for bringing the technology to Nepal. “This system will make a big difference in search and rescue efforts, especially when time is critical. I am deeply thankful to RECCO and the training team for their support,” he said.
Captain Siddhartha Jung Gurung, another prominent figure in the Nepalese mountaineering community, also lauded the introduction of the RECCO SAR system, stating that it will undoubtedly save lives in the Himalayas. He pointed out that whether someone is a trekked tourist or an experienced mountaineer, the system’s ability to locate individuals quickly in the wilderness is invaluable. “This technology allows us to detect and locate individuals swiftly, making it a game-changer for rescue operations,” he added.
One of the key features of the RECCO SAR helicopter detection system is its impressive ability to search an area of one square kilometer in just six minutes. This capability dramatically reduces the time required to locate missing individuals, which is crucial in rescue situations. The system not only makes the search process more efficient but also mitigates the risk to rescue teams, who can otherwise be exposed to dangerous environments during operations. The RECCO SAR system provides a safer and faster alternative, which is especially important in the harsh mountain climates of Nepal.
The RECCO SAR system is useful year-round, as it can be deployed in both winter and summer months, making it an indispensable tool for trekking and mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. Currently, there are ten handheld detectors available with various rescue organizations across the country. These handheld detectors complement the helicopter-based system and further enhance the ability to locate missing trekkers or climbers in challenging terrains.
Starting in 2024, a new regulation will require individuals climbing above 6,000 meters in Nepal to carry appropriate search and rescue equipment. The RECCO reflector, which is a key component of the system, has been identified as a suitable and effective option for fulfilling this requirement. The RECCO reflector, when worn by climbers and trekkers, helps the helicopter detection system easily pinpoint their location, even in the most difficult conditions.
Since its inception in 2016, the RECCO SAR helicopter detector has expanded its use beyond winter rescues and has been adapted for use throughout the year. The system has proven effective in locating missing hikers, trekkers, and mountaineers during all seasons. It complements the RECCO handheld detectors, providing a comprehensive and highly effective solution for search and rescue operations in diverse terrains, from forested lowlands to the high Himalayas.
Fredrik Stenwall, CEO of RECCO, expressed his satisfaction with the successful introduction of the RECCO SAR helicopter detection system in Nepal. “This is an important achievement for RECCO, and we are proud to contribute to Nepal’s efforts in making search and rescue operations faster, safer, and more effective,” he said. Stenwall also mentioned that RECCO reflectors are available on a range of international brand gear, including Everest Outfit, Scarpa, Kailas, Millet, BlackYak, and Asolo, making the technology accessible to a wide range of trekkers and mountaineers in Nepal.
The introduction of the RECCO SAR helicopter detection system marks a new era in Nepal’s rescue capabilities, offering a modern, efficient, and life-saving solution for those exploring the country’s rugged mountainous landscapes. As the country continues to attract tourists and adventurers from around the world, the system will undoubtedly play a critical role in ensuring the safety of all those who embark on Nepal’s treacherous but beautiful peaks.
