Abseiling Accident’s
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
According to a Thread on the Rockfax site, a climber has explained how his very experienced climbing partner, fell whilst abseiling in Zion National Park, met his avoidable death. Apparently, they were tying two ropes together for each abseil with an ‘overhand’ knot (there has recently been ‘official’ recognition by the British Mountaineering Council – responsible for safety in UK climbing in the use, the joining of ropes with knots other than the double-fisherman which is perfectly safe even when tied incorrectly). The two ropes that parted during the fatal abseil apparently, had no remnants of a knot in either end. Apparently, the knot had completely unravelled. Too many experienced climbers have died whilst abseiling, a maneuver where all of the equipment is stressed. Do yourself a favour by tying abseil ropes together by using the double-fisherman knot, a knot that incidentally, is shown tied incorrectly, haphazardly on the front cover of the BMC’s Booklet of Knots, price £4:00 to non members. Be guided by the experts eh…
Two climbers participating in a Charity Abseil in 2000, died at the foot of an Irish sea-cliff when they were hit by rock-fall after they had descended. Rope under strain can very easily dislodge, loosen rock as the abseiler makes his way down, clearing the foot of the abseil; getting away from any line-of-fire is a very good idea.
Category : Accidents
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