Russian climber stuck on Biafo Glacier saved by Pak Army in daring rescue

Published July 31, 2018
Russian climber Alexander Gukov was stranded on Biafo Glacier's Latok Top since July 25. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR
Russian climber Alexander Gukov was stranded on Biafo Glacier's Latok Top since July 25. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR

In a daring rescue attempt early on Tuesday, Pakistan Army aviation pilots rescued Russian climber Alexander Gukov who was stuck 20,650 feet above sea level on Biafo Glacier's Latok Peak, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Alexander Gukov was transported to CMH Skardu. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR
Alexander Gukov was transported to CMH Skardu. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR

Gukov was shifted to Combined Military Hospital Skardu for medical care, the army's media wing said in its press release.

A photograph of Alexander Gukov's position on Latok Top at 20,630 feet. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR
A photograph of Alexander Gukov's position on Latok Top at 20,630 feet. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR

"The unprecedented rescue mission was undertaken by Pakistan Army aviation helicopters under extreme weather conditions, making it the first ever rescue from such a height in Pakistan," the ISPR added.

Gukov had been stuck on Latok Top since July 25 and had exhausted his supplies three days ago. At least seven rescue attempts had been made between 26 to 30 July, but due to snow clouds, the climber could not be located and rescued, the ISPR said.

Later in the day, Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa visited the Russian mountaineer at Rawalpindi CMH and inquired about his health.

This is the second rescue mission undertaken by the army this month.

On July 1, two foreign mountaineers stuck in an avalanche at above 19,000 feet on Ultar Sar Peak near Hunza Valley were saved by Pak Army pilots. British climbers Bruce Normand and Miller Timothy were rescued alive, but Austrai's Christian Huber did not survive.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...