In a dramatic rescue operation that showcased the resilience of human spirit and the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response, two climbers—Fay Jane Manners from the United Kingdom and Michelle Theresa Dvorak from the United States—were saved after being stranded for nearly 72 hours on the treacherous Chaukhamba-III peak in Uttarakhand, India.
Their harrowing experience began when a freak accident left them without food, water, or shelter at an altitude of 6,300 meters.
The climbers were part of a foreign expedition organized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, having embarked on their journey from Delhi on September 15. Their adventure took a perilous turn on October 3 when a sudden rockfall severed their climbing rope, sending their essential gear—including food, a tent, and communication devices—plummeting into a gorge. Despite the loss, they managed to send out an SOS signal before losing all means of communication.
Manners described the moment of disaster: “We were trying to pull up my bag while she [Dvorak] had hers on her. Then the rockfall occurred, cutting the rope to the other bag, which then fell down the mountain.” This unfortunate event left them stranded and exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The alarm was raised after their last communication was received on Thursday afternoon. Authorities quickly mobilized resources to initiate a rescue operation involving multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The rescue mission faced significant hurdles due to adverse weather conditions and the challenging terrain of Chaukhamba-III, which is known for its steep slopes and unpredictable weather patterns. Helicopters struggled to locate the climbers initially due to fog and limited visibility.
On Saturday, a French mountaineering team that was also attempting to summit Chaukhamba-III spotted Manners and Dvorak. They relayed their coordinates to rescue authorities, enabling them to pinpoint the climbers’ location.
After 80 grueling hours, IAF helicopters successfully airlifted Manners and Dvorak from an elevation of approximately 17,400 feet on Sunday morning. The climbers were reported to be fatigued but safe upon their return to base.
Upon their rescue, both climbers expressed immense relief and gratitude for the efforts made to save them. They were airlifted to the Joshimath helipad where they received medical attention. Despite their ordeal, they appeared in good spirits, grateful for their survival.
Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi of the SDRF confirmed that all rescue personnel involved were also safely evacuated back to Joshimath later that day. He praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies that came together under challenging circumstances.
As climbing expeditions become increasingly popular in regions like Uttarakhand, there is a growing need for improved safety measures and protocols for climbers. This incident raises awareness about the potential dangers faced by mountaineers and emphasizes the importance of thorough planning before embarking on such treks.
