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Chihuahua Guides Rescue of Hiker Trapped in Swiss Glacier Crevasse

Both the hiker and his dog are under evaluation at a Visp hospital, underscoring Air Zermatt’s praise for the Chihuahua’s pivotal role in the rescue

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Overview

  • On July 4, a hiker fell 26 feet into an eight-metre crevasse on the Fee Glacier in southern Switzerland and used a handheld walkie-talkie to call for help.
  • Air Zermatt crews faced difficulty locating the accident site across the vast ice field and barely visible opening.
  • A rescue specialist spotted the Chihuahua perched at the crevasse edge, leading teams to the precise spot of the fall.
  • The team abseiled into the crevasse and airlifted both the hiker and his uninjured Chihuahua to Visp for medical assessment.
  • Air Zermatt lauded the Chihuahua as a “four-legged hero,” highlighting an emerging recognition of canine contributions in alpine search and rescue.