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. Pro...