Rescue mission suspended for Russian climber stuck in Kyrgyzstan after elaooked attempts
- Russian mountaineer Natasha Nagovitsina has been stranded on Victory Peak since August 12.
- Attempts to rescue her have been complicated by extreme weather and tragic losses, including the death of rescuer Luca Sinigaglia.
- The rescue mission has been called off with officials fearing for Nagovitsina's survival due to conditions at such altitude.
In Kyrgyzstan, Russian mountaineer Natasha Nagovitsina, 47, has been stranded at an altitude of 22,965 feet on Victory Peak since August 12 after suffering a broken leg during her ascent. The peak is part of the Tian Shan Mountain Range and has a summit height of 24,406 feet. The situation took a dire turn when, on August 15, Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia died from hypothermia while trying to deliver assistance to Nagovitsina, which included a tent and other supplies. His tragic demise underscored the inherent dangers and difficulties of high-altitude rescues in such extreme weather conditions. Multiple attempts to rescue Nagovitsina have been plagued by adverse weather and treacherous climbing conditions. Efforts mounted to bring her down either by climbing teams or by helicopter have all ended unsuccessfully. Notably, one rescue helicopter crash-landed, resulting in injuries to four people in the operation. After assessing the extreme cold, which had dropped to minus 23 degrees Celsius, rescuers expressed doubts about Nagovitsina's chances of survival, with one rescue leader indicating that it was 'unrealistic' for her to withstand the harsh conditions for so long. A recent search operation was halted 3,600 feet below Nagovitsina's location due to worsening weather conditions. Following the latest updates, officials have declared the mission officially suspended, citing concerns for the safety of their rescue teams. The head of the Kyrgyz Mountaineering Federation remarked that it is 'highly likely' Nagovitsina has not survived, given the prolonged time she has spent awaiting rescue in such an extreme environment. The situation is compounded by the treacherous terrain and severe weather, making rescue attempts increasingly perilous. Natasha Nagovitsina is not new to challenges in mountaineering; she previously gained attention in 2021 when she refused to abandon her husband during a climb when he suffered a stroke at high altitude. This previous incident positioned her as an emblem of determination and resilience in the mountaineering community, raising serious concerns and hopes during her latest ordeal.