Missing Senior Found Alive in East Tyrol After Four Days

According to police, the woman was located directly next to the Wilfener Talweg during a search in the Wilfener Tal at around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Due to her illness, the woman had likely become disoriented in the Wilfener Tal and remained there until July 18, investigators said.

During the recovery, the 74-year-old was conscious and responsive, but suffered severe hypothermia, according to police. After receiving initial care on site, she was flown by the Christophorus 7 rescue helicopter to the Lienz district hospital for further medical treatment.

Large-Scale Search Operation in the High Mountains

A total of 43 mountain rescue personnel from Lienz were involved in the search operation. They were joined by five members of the Assling Volunteer Fire Department, who supported the ground search. Also deployed were a police helicopter and a police dog handler, who searched for the missing woman from the air and with a tracking dog.

The search extended over several days and focused on the difficult-to-access terrain around the Wilfener Tal. The expansive area in the Lienz district was considered a challenging operational zone due to its weather conditions, which is why the mountain rescue team contributed its experience in alpine searches.

Police described a comprehensive rescue operation in which a wide variety of organizations worked hand in hand. The coordination between mountain rescue, the Volunteer Fire Department, the police helicopter, and the rescue services proceeded smoothly, according to an initial assessment.

Police Issue Preliminary Assessment

On Friday evening at around 6:45 p.m., a 53-year-old woman raised the alarm with the police and reported her 74-year-old mother missing. According to the assessment of the rescue personnel, this swift action by the daughter likely contributed significantly to the missing woman being recovered alive after four days.

According to the current state of the investigation, there is no indication of any third-party involvement. Police assume that the woman had become disoriented due to her illness. Further investigations into the exact sequence of events are ongoing, according to authorities.