RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Efforts to evacuate a Malaysian climber injured on Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, were disrupted on Monday evening, May 25, 2026, as thick fog and dwindling daylight forced a medical helicopter to abandon its mission.

Officials from the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) said they acted swiftly after receiving an emergency report at 3:00 p.m. local time regarding 41-year-old climber Chye Connsynn.

“TNGR immediately coordinated with Edelweis Medical Health Centre (EMHC) and Nusa Medica’s medical team,” Head of Administration at TNGR, Astekita Ardi, explained, as quoted by Antara.

The climber, covered by premium insurance purchased during registration, was approved for air evacuation to minimize physical strain. A medical helicopter departed Bali at 4:18 p.m., but extreme weather conditions at Pelawangan Sembalun thwarted the plan.

“For about 20 minutes, the helicopter circled, trying to break through the dense white fog covering steep cliffs. With visibility worsening, sunset approaching, and fuel running low, the pilot made the critical decision to return to Denpasar,” said dr. Lia Puspita of Nusa Medica.

Following consultation with doctors in Malaysia, the medical team advised the climber to remain overnight at Pelawangan Sembalun, as ground evacuation posed excessive risk.

To provide immediate care, EMHC and National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) teams began ascending from Sembalun Resort at 6:00 p.m. to deliver first aid at the climber’s tent.

The air rescue mission has been rescheduled for Tuesday morning, May 26, at around 7:00 a.m., with a helicopter set to fly again from Bali. Meanwhile, Nusa Medica’s team remains on standby at the base camp to receive the patient. ***