Rescue Operations Begin For 3 Climbers Stranded On Rakaposhi

Several news media outlets reported that three climbers were stranded on Rakaposhi for the last two days while they were on their way back, and now efforts are being made since Sunday to rescue them by a helicopter.

Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) secretary, Karrar Haidri told that the three mountaineers, Jakub Vicek, Peter Macek from the Czech Republic, and one local climber, Wajidullah Nagri are stuck in Camp three on the 7,788-metre-high peak in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Minister for Tourism, Sports, and Culture for the government of Gilgit Baltistan, Raja Nasir Ali Khan tweeted that the government had provided the helicopter rescue service for the stranded climbers.

The government extended Heli Rescue Service to the three mountaineers stranded at Rakaposhi at height of 6900m while descending. One was Wajidullah Nagri of Pakistan whereas the remaining two were Czech Republic citizens, Peter Macek and Jakub Vicek.

— Raja Nasir Ali Khan (@RNAKOfficial) September 11, 2021

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He further shared that the Czech climbers had gone there without permission and that it was unethical to do so. Khan further said that they should have abided by the laws of the country for their own “safety and well-being.”

The Czech Republic mountaineers went up prior to the issuance of government NOC, which is unethical. We do expect from everyone going on to such expeditions to comply with laws and regulations for their own safety and wellbeing in the face of emergencies.

— Raja Nasir Ali Khan (@RNAKOfficial) September 11, 2021

“We do expect from everyone going on to such expeditions to comply with laws and regulations for their own safety and well-being in the face of emergencies,” Khan said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan aviation sent two rescue helicopters for the mountaineers that took off from Skardu and landed at the Gilgit airport. They flew to Rakaposhi to look for the climbers, however, the harsh weather conditions resulted in the operation being unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the mountaineers are in contact with their families through satellite communication and are hopeful that they will be able to escape the situation.

The reports further revealed that the climbers were beginning to lose their strength and one of them is feeling sick because of the high altitude. The local climber on the other hand is in high spirits and is doing well for now.

The officials have stated that it is nearly impossible for rescue helicopters to go up to a height of more than 7,000 feet, so the climbers will have to descend further down from Rakaposhi peak in order to receive help.

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