To suffer a disaster or accident in places like mountains or at sea, often requiring rescue for the victims.
登山中に道に迷い、遭難しかけたが無事救助された。
While climbing I got lost and nearly suffered a disaster, but I was rescued safely.
遭難者の捜索に数日を要した。
It took several days to search for the missing (distressed) person.
冬山では装備不足が原因で遭難するケースが多い。
In winter mountains, many distress cases are caused by inadequate equipment.