Tourist Rescued After BASE Jump Parachute Snags on Luxury Hotel in New Zealand
A Belgian national was arrested after his parachute became entangled 23 stories above a busy street in Auckland, requiring emergency services to smash a window.
A daredevil stunt by a tourist in Auckland, New Zealand, ended with a dramatic rescue and an arrest after his BASE jumping parachute snagged on the exterior of the Hotel Indigo. The 22-year-old Belgian national was attempting to jump from the 27th floor of the luxury hotel when his parachute became caught.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 10:42 p.m. on a Tuesday. Firefighters had to smash a glass panel valued at approximately $20,000 New Zealand dollars (about $11,400 USD) to reach the stranded man. The man was successfully freed by Fire and Emergency New Zealand but was subsequently arrested.
Police stated that the tourist was not injured and did not require medical attention. He is scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on October 27.
Inspector Grae Anderson, the area commander for Auckland City, noted that the incident caused damage to the hotel's exterior and disrupted guests. He also indicated that authorities believe the man was responsible for a similar BASE jump from an under-construction building in Auckland in September.
"We do not condone this type of behavior," Anderson said in a press release. "It is reckless and poses risks to the person jumping and those on the ground." Anderson emphasized that the individual would remain in New Zealand to face the consequences of his actions, rather than continuing his travel plans.
Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is a major international tourist destination. The BASE jumping incident highlights safety concerns associated with extreme sports in urban environments. BASE jumping involves parachuting from fixed objects, and while jumps from natural formations occur, urban jumps like this one are often prohibited and pose significant risks to both the jumper and the public below.