Fatal Kalymnos Fall Highlights Dangers of Aging Bolts—and Limited Rescue Resources

On Friday, March 27, a 60-year-old Czech climber named Peter Hruban was climbing St. Savvas, a 60-foot 5.12c on the sunbaked sport climbing paradise of Kalymnos, Greece.

At around 3:30 p.m., Hruban reached the chains, clipped the permadraws, and lowered to clean the route. He pulled his draws from the highest bolt on the route, then the second-highest, and his belayer prepared to lower him toward the next bolt. That’s when both anchor bolts broke, sending Hruban plummeting down the steep face.