Pakistan Army’s ‘daring rescue’ saves Russian climber from Karakoram range peak

Alexander Gukov was stranded at about 20,000 feet on Latok I peak in the Biafo glacier region

The Pakistan Army on Tuesday rescued a Russian climber from a peak in northern Pakistan, said a statement from the Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR).

Stranded at about 20,000 feet on Latok I peak in the Biafo glacier region, Alexander Gukov was rescued early Tuesday morning by the Pakistan Army Aviation. He has been shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Skardu for medical attention.



“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,” read a press release from the army’s media wing.

The Russian climber had been stuck since July 25 and had exhausted his supplies three days ago. Seven rescue attempts were made between July 26 and 30 but snow clouds prevented rescuers from locating and retrieving the climber.



Gukov and his partner Sergey Glazunov had completed their climb after coming within 600 feet of the summit and began retreating down the mountain on July 25. In an accident, Glazunov fell to his death and Gukov sent an SOS signal for help.

Latok I is a 23,442-foot peak in the Karakoram range and climbing the North Ridge of Latok I is a mountaineering challenge that has never been achieved. Gukov and Glazunov came the closest to the peak of the mountain.

Photos released by the army's media wing indicate where on the peak the climber was stranded. PHOTO: ISPR

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has also visited the rescued mountaineer at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi.

COAS visited Russian mountaineer Alexander Gukov at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi. Mr Guvok was rescued by Pak Army Aviators from 20650 feet high Latok Peak in Pakistani Northern Areas this morning through a very challenging Aviation effort.@Russia@RT_com pic.twitter.com/owmm9Ua90a

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 31, 2018

The rescued mountaineer thanked armed forces of Pakistan for saving his life and praised hospitality and bravery of the nation.