A daring high-altitude rescue mission on one of the world's most treacherous peaks has been called off, condemning an injured climber to a desperate fight for survival alone at 22,000 feet.
The operation to save Polish mountaineer Anna Lichota from the slopes of Pakistan's infamous Nanga Parbat—dubbed 'Killer Mountain' for its deadly reputation—was abandoned after rescuers determined the conditions were too perilous to proceed.
A Desperate Situation on the Diamir Face
Lichota, an experienced climber, suffered a devastating fall, resulting in a broken leg and other injuries that left her completely immobilised at Camp 3 on the mountain's Diamir face. Using her satellite phone, she managed to raise the alarm, sparking a complex international effort to save her.
Despite a helicopter managing to drop essential supplies, including medicine, food, and oxygen, near her location, repeated attempts to airlift her out were thwarted by ferocious winds, thin air, and the immense altitude, which pushes aircraft to their absolute limits.
'An Impossible Mission'
Karrar Haidri, secretary of the Pakistan Alpine Club, delivered the grim news, stating that after consulting with Polish officials and military experts, the painful decision was made. "The weather conditions are not favourable, and the air pressure is too low for a helicopter to hover and haul her up", he explained, confirming the mission was now "called off completely".
A team of brave ground rescuers had also been attempting a near-impossible ascent to reach her but were forced to turn back, still a gruelling 1,000 metres below her position, unable to overcome the technical challenges of the terrain.
Community Reaction and a Glimmer of Hope
The climbing community has been gripped by the tragedy, with many expressing heartbreak and frustration online. Some criticised the initial decision for Lichota to climb without a partner, a high-risk strategy in such a hostile environment.
Despite the official rescue being terminated, there remains a faint, desperate hope that the dropped supplies could give Lichota a window to somehow improve her position or signal again. However, at 22,000ft with severe injuries, the chances are tragically slim, marking a sombre moment for all who venture into the high mountains.
