IAF rescues Israeli man stuck at 16K ft in Ladakh

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The Indian Air Force on Wednesday rescued another Israeli national who was stuck at a height of more than 16,000 feet near Markha valley in Ladakh.

This is the second episode involving an Israeli national in the region.Earlier, on August 20 Noam Gil ,suffering from acute mountain sickness, was rescued by the Indian Air Force personnel from the same area.

According to a Srinagar based Defence Spokesman, "On 31 Aug 22, 114 Helicopter Unit received a call for casevac (Casualty evacuation) from Nimaling Camp near Markha Valley. "Atar Kahana, an Israeli national, was suffering from high altitude sickness, including vomiting and low oxygen saturation", Defence spokesman said.  Moving swiftly, the Flt Cdr 114 HU, Wg Cdr Ashish Kapoor and Flt Lt Rhythm Mehra as No. 1 and Sqn Ldr Neha Singh and Sqn Ldr Ajinkya Kher as No 2, got airborne within minutes, for this time critical mission.

Following the shortest Route the Casevac aircrafts reached the spot within 20 minutes of flying time and spotted the casualty on the Gongmaru La pass at an elevation of 16800 feet.

The No.1 aircrew carried out a thorough recce and landed at the pass with the assistance of No. 2 and picked up the casualty from the pass in the turbulent weather conditions.

Daily Pioneer
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