In a remarkable rescue operation, two foreign climbers were safely retrieved after being stranded for three days on Chaukhamba-3 peak in India's Uttarakhand state. The incident, which began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, highlighted the challenges and risks associated with mountaineering in the Himalayan region.
Fay Jane Manners from the United Kingdom and Michelle Theresa Dvorak from the United States encountered difficulties while ascending a rocky section of Chaukhamba-3, part of the Chaukhamba group of four Himalayan peaks. The name "Chaukhamba" translates to "four pillars" in Hindi and other Indian languages, reflecting the distinctive formation of these mountains.
The climbers' ordeal began when a rockfall severed their rope, causing their bags containing essential supplies and equipment to plummet into a gorge. This unfortunate event left them without food, shelter, and most of their communication devices. Despite these setbacks, they managed to send out an emergency message on the same day.
"We were pulling up my bag and she (Dvorak) had her bag on her. And the rockfall came, cut the rope with the other bag, and it just went down the entire mountain."
The rescue operation, which lasted 80 hours, involved the coordinated efforts of the Indian Air Force and the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority. The Indian Air Force, established on October 8, 1932, played a crucial role in the mission. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force, formed in 2014, also contributed significantly to the rescue efforts.
Initial attempts to locate the climbers proved challenging. Two Indian Air Force helicopters dispatched on Friday, October 4, 2024, were unable to find the stranded mountaineers. The breakthrough came on Saturday, October 5, when a French mountaineering team, also attempting to climb Chaukhamba-3, located the climbers and relayed their coordinates to the rescue authorities.
The successful airlift took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024. The Indian Air Force showcased remarkable skill and coordination in extreme conditions, rescuing the climbers from an altitude of 17,400 feet.
Chaukhamba-3 is part of the Garhwal Himalaya in northern India, a region known for its diverse flora and fauna. The highest peak in the Chaukhamba group, Chaukhamba I, stands at an impressive 7,138 meters (23,419 ft) and was first ascended in 1952 by a Swiss team.
This incident underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness in mountaineering. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation, established in 1958, has been instrumental in promoting safe climbing practices and organizing expeditions in the Indian Himalayas.
Uttarakhand, often referred to as "Devabhumi" or "Land of the Gods", is renowned for its Himalayan peaks and Hindu pilgrimage sites. The state, formed in 2000, relies heavily on tourism and pilgrimage for its economy. It is home to several national parks, including the famous Jim Corbett National Park, and boasts two major river systems: the Ganga and the Yamuna.
The successful rescue operation not only highlights the risks associated with high-altitude climbing but also showcases the effectiveness of international cooperation and the capabilities of India's rescue services in challenging Himalayan conditions.