Tourist trapped on 200ft-high zipline for 90 minutes

In a dramatic rescue operation near Málaga, Spain, a tourist was left suspended 200 feet above a rocky canyon after a zipline ride malfunctioned mid-air, stranding him for over an hour and a half.

The frightening incident took place on Tuesday at the Presa de los Caballeros Via Ferrata, a popular adventure site in the Andalusian region known for its zipline, suspension bridge, and underground passages. The site attracts thrill-seekers and hikers from across the country.

According to Spanish media, the man—whose identity has not been disclosed—was left hanging helplessly by a rope when the zipline abruptly stopped. Rescue footage captures the man suspended over the canyon as emergency personnel carefully positioned themselves on a bridge above.

The Provincial Fire Consortium of Málaga led the delicate rescue operation, which took over 90 minutes due to the technical complexity of the terrain. Firefighters were forced to implement a specialized maneuver from approximately 50 to 65 feet above the man’s location to safely hoist him to the suspension bridge above. Fortunately, he did not require any medical treatment after the ordeal.

This is not the first time the Presa de los Caballeros site has faced safety concerns. Just weeks earlier, a woman was also rescued after becoming trapped on the same zipline.

Similar incidents have occurred worldwide. In July of last year, a young girl in Bali was filmed dangling 330 feet above the ocean on a zipline at Nusa Penida’s Flying Fox attraction. She eventually freed herself by rocking back and forth to reach the other side, while distressed onlookers, including her mother and several British tourists, watched from below. Thankfully, she escaped unharmed.

As adventure tourism gains popularity, incidents like these serve as stark reminders of the importance of regular equipment checks and enhanced safety measures at high-risk recreational sites.