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Key Points

The Indian Army executed a daring night rescue mission at 17,000 feet in Ladakh to evacuate a critically ill South Korean couple. Using night vision technology, helicopters landed at an unprepared helipad within hours of receiving the distress call. Despite successful evacuation to SNM Hospital in Leh, one of the mountaineers tragically passed away after the operation. This rescue demonstrates the Army's commitment to saving lives in extreme high-altitude conditions.

Key Points: Indian Army Rescues South Korean Couple in Ladakh Night Operation

  • Night vision helicopter landing at unprepared 17,000-foot helipad
  • Rapid response within 15 minutes of distress call
  • Critical medical evacuation from Kongmarula Pass
  • Operation part of broader Sadbhavna outreach program
2 min read

Indian Army carries out rescue operation for South Korean nationals in Ladakh

Indian Army conducts daring night rescue at 17,000 feet in Ladakh for critically ill South Korean mountaineers using NVG technology, though one tragically dies after evacuation.

"Fire and Fury Corps expresses heartfelt condolences to the family of the mountaineer who unfortunately lost his life - Indian Army Statement"

Ladakh, September 5

The Fire and Fury Corps of the Army carried out a night-time casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) at 17,000 feet in Ladakh on Thursday after receiving a request to evacuate a South Korean national, Hyun Woo Kim, and his wife, stranded at Kongmarula Pass.

Following the rescue, the Army later confirmed through a Fire and Fury Corps X post that one of the mountaineers lost his life after the rescue operation.

"Fire and Fury Corps expresses heartfelt condolences to the family of the mountaineer who unfortunately lost his life," the Army said in a statement.

https://x.com/firefurycorps/status/1963813074424811846

A CASEVAC, or casualty evacuation, involves the rapid transportation of critically ill or injured individuals from a hazardous zone to a medical facility. It can be conducted by both ground and air, depending on the circumstances.

According to an official statement, the evacuation request was received at around 8:05 pm. The location, at an altitude of over 17,000 feet amid snow-covered peaks, posed significant challenges for the rescue mission.

The stranded couple, who fell critically ill during a mountaineering expedition near Kongmarula, required urgent evacuation. To reach the couple, the mission required precise Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to land at an unprepared helipad, demanding exceptional piloting skills and situational awareness, the statement added.

Within 15 minutes of receiving the call, at 8:20 pm, the squadron launched helicopters to execute the operation. By 9:15 pm, the rescue team successfully landed at the site and evacuated the foreign nationals by air. The couple was subsequently handed over to medical authorities at SNM Hospital in Leh for further treatment.

However, following the operation, it was later confirmed that one of the South Korean nationals had died.

Earlier, the Indian Army organised a Medical & Dental Camp under Operation Sadbhavna at Ladakh's Lamochan Village to reaffirm its commitment to the well-being of people in remote and high-altitude regions. A total of 178 villagers benefited from the medical camp, which provided consultations, dental check-ups, essential medicines & health awareness sessions.

Operation Sadbhavana is a programme by the Indian Army aimed at fostering goodwill and building trust with communities in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of the Northeast. It aims to improve the lives of people by implementing development projects focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and women and youth empowerment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking that one of them couldn't be saved despite the Army's heroic efforts. My deepest condolences to the family. Our soldiers risked their lives in those treacherous conditions - true professionalism.
M
Michael C
Incredible response time - 15 minutes to launch helicopters at that altitude! The pilot skills required for NVG landing on unprepared terrain are mind-blowing. India's military capabilities are world-class.
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Ananya R
While I appreciate the Army's efforts, maybe we need better safety protocols for foreign tourists in these extreme regions. The altitude sickness in Ladakh can be fatal if not taken seriously. Prevention is better than rescue.
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Siddharth J
Operation Sadbhavana shows the humane side of our Army - not just protecting borders but also serving remote communities. This rescue mission reinforces India's commitment to helping anyone in distress, regardless of nationality. 🙏
K
Kavya N
The Fire and Fury Corps has once again proved why they're among the best high-altitude warriors in the world. My heart goes out to the South Korean family - losing a loved one in foreign land must be devastating.

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