A climber sent an urgent message to their base camp before going missing.
Fay Manners from the UK and Michelle Dvorak from the US were climbing Chaukhamba III in India’s Garhwal Himalaya when they became trapped on Thursday.
The two climbers, Manners, aged 37, and Dvorak, 31, began their journey from New Delhi on September 15 after receiving approval to climb the 6,974m peak.
Both climbers have significant experience, having previously undertaken climbs in the US, including the Bacon and Eggs on Mini-Mini-Moonflower in Alaska.
Someone stationed at the mountain’s base camp was assisting the climbers.
In October, however, they encountered problems shortly after starting their climb.
They sent a distress message to the base camp, informing those aiding their ascent that they were in trouble.
In the communication, they mentioned that their equipment had fallen into a gorge on the mountainside.
This equipment was vital for their safe climb, necessitating a rescue operation.
Their SOS was sent from an elevation of approximately 20,350 ft, prompting a rescue mission to be organized.
Various agencies collaborated to safely retrieve the two experienced climbers.
According to The Sun, the leader of the rescue mission stated, “There are so many agencies working here. They are all working in coordination with each other. The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, the District Administration, State Administration, along with my team, the State Disaster Response Force. We hope to evacuate these two ladies as soon as possible.”
The UK Foreign Office commented to The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British woman reported missing in India and are in contact with the local authorities.”
High altitude complicated helicopter access, and poor weather conditions forced a halt to the search.
Helicopters were scheduled to resume their search on Sunday, but a report indicated a French team had reached the climbers.
Manners and Dvorak are believed to be descending to around 17,390ft with the rescue team.
At this elevation, they will be safe for helicopter evacuation.
They were located by the Groupe Militaire de Haute Montagne of Chamonix.
Upon discovering the climbers, the group reported they appeared in good health.