Pobeda Peak: Nagovitsina Still Trapped at 7,200 Meters as Rescue Prospects Fade

Due to worsening weather and the onset of winter, hopes for a successful rescue operation are fading, Orda.kz reports.

Forty-seven-year-old Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsina has been lying in a sleeping bag at an altitude of 7,200 meters since August 12. At that height, temperatures have already dropped to –23°C. Without communication, food, and shelter — her tent is torn — the chances of survival are extremely slim.

According to the Telegram channel Mash, rescuers have decided not to take further risks.

Tomorrow, the weather forecast is for worsening with heavy snowfalls. The slopes will be prone to avalanches. Winter begins here in September. It is already –13°C at night in the base camp,
 said Dmitry Grekov, head of the rescue expedition.

Rescuers had already attemptedto reach Nagovitsina but were forced to turn back after the group leader was injured and conditions deteriorated. The injury was sustained on August 16 during a hard helicopter landing on the first attempt to evacuate the climber. 

Meanwhile, an Italian team has not abandoned its plans. In case of the worst outcome, they are prepared to evacuate both Nagovitsina and the body of Italian climber Luca Cingaglia, who died after trying to help her.

However, their helicopter flight has been postponed until Monday because of the weather.

Media also report that a Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations team is making its way toward the stranded climber and is expected to reach her on August 24.

Still, the timeline could be affected by worsening conditions — cold, strong winds, and difficult terrain. Contact with this group has not yet been established.

At the same time, Natalia Nagovitsina no longer shows signs of life.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko