Indian Army Conducts Daring Night Rescue of South Korean Mountaineers in Ladakh
The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps executed a dramatic nighttime helicopter rescue of two South Korean mountaineers who fell critically ill during an expedition near Kongmarula Pass in Ladakh, at an altitude above 17,000 feet. Army Aviation helicopters equipped with Night Vision Goggles were deployed within minutes of a distress call, landing on an unprepared site in treacherous terrain. The couple was airlifted to a hospital in Leh, showcasing the Army's high-altitude rescue capabilities. Tragically, one of the mountaineers later passed away.
Unpacked:
The specific cause was not detailed in reports, but at such altitudes (above 17,000 feet), acute mountain sickness, hypoxia, hypothermia, or related altitude illnesses are common risks that can lead to critical illness in mountaineers.
High-altitude rescues in Ladakh are relatively frequent due to the region’s popularity with trekkers and its extreme environment. Challenges include thin air, unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the need for specialized pilot skills, especially for night operations with unprepared landing sites.
The Indian Army deploys specialized helicopters equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), advanced navigation systems, and well-trained pilots capable of precision landings in treacherous conditions, enabling rapid casualty evacuation even at night and high altitudes.
Both mountaineers were airlifted to Sonam Nurboo Memorial Hospital in Leh for urgent treatment. While one, Hyun Woo Kim, unfortunately died, his wife survived and remained critically ill at the time of the latest reports.