Two foreign mountaineers stranded at an altitude of 6,015 meters while attempting to summit Chaukhamba III peak were successfully rescued Sunday morning. Michelle Theresa Dvorak from the USA and Fay Jane Manners from the UK had been trapped since October 3.
A collaborative rescue mission by the Indian Air Force (IAF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the State Disaster Management Authority successfully ensured their safe evacuation.
Also Read:Congress flags ‘three dark clouds’ that loom over Indian economy
The women, though visibly tired, appeared relieved and were smiling as they were airlifted to the Jyotirmath helipad in Joshimath.
The mountaineers were part of a foreign expedition organised by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Their ordeal began after they lost essential supplies and climbing gear when their bag fell into a gorge at 6,015 metres.
The peak they were attempting to summit, Chaukhamba III, stands at 6,995 metres. Rescue efforts, which started on Friday, faced challenges due to fog and adverse weather conditions.
Two IAF helicopters were deployed to search for the climbers, while trained SDRF personnel assisted in the difficult terrain.
Despite the harrowing experience, both mountaineers are safe and recovering.