Carried by teenager porter, rescued Croatian climber says Kinabalu ordeal broke his heart

Croatian climber Mauro Persic has expressed regret over the risks he took after being found injured and alone on Mount Kinabalu for eight days. — Picture via Facebook/Mauro Persic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 5:35 PM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 5:36 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 — Croatian climber Mauro Persic has expressed regret over the risks he took after being found injured and alone on Mount Kinabalu for eight days, but said the ordeal strengthened his faith in human compassion.

Persic, 46, said the rescue operation was a humbling experience, particularly when rescuers and porters had to carry him down because he was too weak and injured to continue on his own, Berita Harian reported.

One of the moments that struck him most was being carried by a porter estimated to be about 15 years old.

“One of the porters was so young, perhaps 15 years (old), I could feel each impact of his legs and knees, it broke my heart that I'm contributing to this

“Was it all worth it? I don’t know. Probably not. Broken body. 40 people risking their lives to save one. But still, I’ve seen the very best of humanity showing up these days; generosity, kindness and care,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

He added that rescuers brought him food, chocolate and snacks, gathered around campfires, shared jokes and kept him company while efforts were made to bring him down safely.

The Croatian climber, who was rescued last week in an operation involving multiple agencies, sustained injuries to his right leg and ribs, as well as minor wounds to his hands during the incident.