Lucky escape for Alpe d'Huez parapenter

Emergency landing in an icy lake

Imprint: By Ellie Mahoney, Updated 17 August 2016

A paraglider had a lucky escape yesterday near the Pic Blanc after his wing collapsed mid flight and he had to break out his emergency parachute.

The 36 year old couldn't quite make the landing on the ground at around 3000m and ended up pitching into a lake which was filled with ice. Luckily the ice supported his weight and he was rescued without any serious injuries, or hypothermia.

Rescuers had to wear their dry-suits to get into the water and bring the man to safety. Water temperatures at that altitude are about 3 degrees C above freezing - definitely not warm enough to take a dip..

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