Srinagar: In a daring rescue effort, the team of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS) helped by Indian Air Force (IAF) saved the the lives of two trapped Kashmir mountaineers from the heights of Thajiwas Glacier at the altitude of 15610-ft in Sonamarg, Kashmir, J&K.
As per reports, the two Kashmir local mountaineers Zeeshan who is expert climber joined by a novice Faisal had gone on to summit Mount Thajiwas in Sonamarg. However, the things took different turn with both needing a rescue effort to Miraculously save their lives.
“Successfully rescued two mountaineers from Thajiwas glacier 15610 ft (Sonamarg) today evening . One of whom had suffered multiple fracture hypothermia and other injuries and another guy is fine hopefully. Injured were taken to Srinagar Hospital via IAF helicopter then later to SMHS then to Barzullah. Rescue was done by Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports led by Everester Iqbal,” said Danish Dhar a noted Mountaineer familiar with the incident.
Giving details about the whole incident and its background, a person close to the incident and rescue effort said that ultimately IAF chopper evacuated the duo to save crucial hours as the person was suffering with hypothermia.
“The duo had gone on the glacier on their own without informing anyone. On the glacier, the incident happened (Rock fall or simply fall on glacier) due to which Faisal got injured and couldn’t walk thereafter. Zeeshan somehow found cell phone signal and informed the people close to him at ground level including JIM&WS,” said a person aware of the incident.
“Initially Zeeshan said he will try to carry Faisal but later informed that another incident happened and he has injured himself as well. Meanwhile initial party reached the place were duo was and informed JIM&WS that the duo will require immediate evacuation,” he said.
The source revealed that JIM&WS rescue party upon reaching the incident place noticed gravity of the situation with one of the trapped mountaineer suffering from hypothermia.
“JIM&WS rescue team reached the place where both the trapped mountaineers had got stuck. They noticed that after being idle at one place in freezing conditions on the glacier, Faisal was suffering from initial stages of Hypothermia apart from multiple injuries. They decided to call IAF helicopter. In the meantime, JIM&WS team put Faisal on stretcher tying him with ropes and dragged him upto the chopper,” he said.
“The mountaineers were first taken to SMHS hospital Srinagar and later shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital Burzullah. Both are out of danger now,” he said.
Meanwhile authorities have requested all the mountaineers to inform relevant authorities be for venturing for such expeditions.