New Delhi: A perilous situation has unfolded on North America's formidable Mount Denali, where Sheikh Hassan Khan, a seasoned Malayali mountaineer, has become trapped by a severe storm at a staggering altitude of 17,000 feet. His desperate plea for immediate rescue, conveyed via satellite phone, has ignited urgent efforts to save him from the treacherous conditions.
According to reports from CNewsLive.com and other sources, Khan, a Kerala government employee on a quest to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents, sent an SOS message detailing his dire predicament. He has "Less food and water to survive" and is stuck at Camp 5, battling fierce winds and rapidly deteriorating weather. Disturbingly, his mission on Denali was to unfurl a banner congratulating the Indian armed forces for "Operation Sindoor," adding a poignant layer to his current struggle.
This is not Khan's first encounter with Denali; he previously summited the peak in June 2023, describing it as a "beautiful mountain." However, Denali is notorious for its extreme and unpredictable weather, making even experienced climbers highly vulnerable. Over 120 fatalities have been recorded on the mountain since 1932, highlighting its unforgiving nature.
Upon receiving Khan's distressing message, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, immediate action was initiated. Chandrasekhar confirmed that he has alerted the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and has also engaged the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. to coordinate rescue efforts with U.S. authorities, including the National Park Service in Alaska.
Rescue operations on Denali are notoriously challenging, particularly in high winds and whiteout conditions, which are currently impeding efforts. The focus remains on establishing contact and determining the most viable approach to reach Khan, who is known for his immense passion for mountaineering, having already conquered Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro.
As the world watches anxiously, prayers and hopes are with Sheikh Hassan Khan, that rescue teams can defy the brutal elements of Denali and bring him to safety.