The rescue operation carried out this Friday near the Texu canal area brought closure to a distressing episode that began last Sunday. A 60-year-old mountaineer from Gijón had been reported missing after setting out on a trek through the Texu canal, a route that stretches between the towns of Poncebos and Bulnes in the heart of the Picos de Europa. The police and local emergency services coordinated a search that spanned rugged trails, narrow ledges, and remote stretches where visibility can suddenly drop and sudden weather changes are common. Families and fellow climbers watched with a mix of concern and hope as teams deployed ground units, the Guardia Civil, and aerial support to cover all possible routes of ascent and descent.
By early afternoon on Friday, a search-and-rescue helicopter from 112-Asturias was overhead, combing the steep slopes when a significant development emerged. The crew located the missing mountaineer behind a large rock shield that had camouflaged him from plain sight. The position near the Estorez canal posed additional challenges due to the terrain, but the responders maintained composure and communicated clear instructions to guide the extraction operation. The moment the body was discovered, an organized effort began to secure the site and prepare for transfer, ensuring the safety of rescuers who navigated the rocky outcrops and uneven ground just off the popular Cares route.
The man from Gijón had last been seen at around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, in the village of Poncebos as he embarked on a 3.3-kilometer segment of the Texu canal trail that connects Poncebos with Bulnes. The route is known for its dramatic scenery, but it also requires careful planning and awareness of the alpine conditions that can shift quickly. Witnesses and local guides described the ascent as steady yet demanding, with certain sections that demand hands-on scrambling and careful foot placement to avoid slips. The broader context of this case highlights the risk involved in high mountain itineraries and the importance of proper gear, communication, and immediate reporting when concerns arise about a climber who does not reach the expected checkpoints on schedule.
In the days following the disappearance, rescuers intensified their search within the Redes Nature Park, a region celebrated for its scenic canyons and diverse ecosystems. The terrain here becomes more challenging as temperatures fluctuate and rock surfaces can become slippery after precipitation. The operation benefited from the collaboration of multiple agencies, including the local police, park rangers, and volunteer search teams who had previously surveyed the area to identify likely routes and safe landing zones for the helicopters. The recovery of the body marks the end of a tense period for the mountaineer’s family and for the mountain community that routinely engages with the Texu canal and surrounding trails as both a source of recreation and a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
As investigators began the formal procedures to confirm the identity and review the sequence of events, the focus remained on ensuring that every relevant detail was documented. The collective effort demonstrated how rescue operations rely on precise coordination, rapid decision-making, and on-the-ground perseverance. The conclusion of this case serves as a sober reminder to all hikers, climbers, and visitors to the Picos de Europa of the value of planning, of informing others about daily itineraries, and of prioritizing safety vigilance when navigating high-altitude routes that can present sudden changes in weather, footing, or visibility. Ultimately, the mountain community continues to honor the memory of those who set out to explore and, in doing so, reaffirms its commitment to safety, preparedness, and mutual aid throughout the region.