State did not allow EUFOR helicopter to help: Three GSS showed what responsibility means!

(Patria) - On Visočica mountain, in the Rakitnica canyon, an accident occurred yesterday in which one person died after falling into a ravine. At the same time, it was necessary to evacuate another person, who remained trapped in extremely inaccessible terrain.

After a report from the Operational Center of the Konjic Police Department, rescuers from the Prenj Mountain Rescue Service were immediately dispatched to the field. They were soon joined by members of GSS Jablanica and GSS Canton Sarajevo, who unhesitatingly joined one of the most demanding rescue operations this year, stated GSS Prenj.

Together, they reached the ridge above the accident site, from where the victim fell into the canyon. Despite attempts to secure helicopter support from EUFOR through the competent institutions, consent for engagement was not obtained, even though helicopters were flying over the location. Instead of a solution, rescuers faced a shifting of responsibility and the complete powerlessness of the system, according to GSS.

A difficult, but the only possible decision was made – to proceed with manual transport, aware of how demanding the terrain is and how much equipment and physical strength such an undertaking requires.

An extremely difficult battle with the Rakitnica canyon lasted for six hours. During the transport, an altitude difference of about 600 meters was overcome, 12 anchor points were set up, and six team pulls were performed, after which a descent to the other side of the ridge followed and the journey continued towards the vehicles.

In the most difficult moments, when strength and energy were depleted, GSS Canton Sarajevo called for an additional 15 rescuers, who arrived as much-needed support. That moment of solidarity and unity remained deeply etched among the participants of the operation.

Where the state apparatus failed, the hearts of people did not. GSS Prenj, GSS Jablanica, and GSS Canton Sarajevo showed what responsibility, humanity, and brotherhood mean in the field.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the officials of the Konjic Police Department, after which a briefing was held. All rescuers safely left the field and returned to their homes late after midnight.

"The state can't do it, but GSS can," they wrote on social media.