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Key Points

Kerala mountaineer Sheikh Hassan Khan is stranded in a severe storm on North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali. He sent an SOS via satellite phone, pleading for rescue with dwindling supplies. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar has escalated the matter to the PMO and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Khan, a seasoned climber, was on a mission to honor Indian armed forces with a banner.

Key Points: Kerala Mountaineer Sheikh Hassan Khan Trapped in Denali Storm

  • Kerala mountaineer stranded in severe storm at 17,000 ft
  • BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar alerts PMO and MEA
  • Khan climbed Everest and Denali previously
  • Mission to honor armed forces with Operation Sindoor banner
2 min read

Kerala mountaineer sends SOS message from Mt Denali, says stuck in storm

Kerala mountaineer Sheikh Hassan Khan sends SOS from Mt Denali at 17,000 ft, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar seeks PMO help.

"Less food and water to survive... only God can help us from this situation. – Sheikh Hassan Khan"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 18

Sheikh Hassan Khan, a 38-year-old Kerala government employee who has successfully conquered several mountains in various continents, has sent an SOS message seeking immediate rescue after being stranded in a severe storm at 17,000 feet on Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America.

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared the SOS message on his X handle on Wednesday.

"Sheikh Hassan Khan stuck in severe storm in Mount Denali, highest peak of N America. Desperately looking for assistance. just managed to send SoS from Sat fone..." In his message, Khan says, “Less food and water to survive. i am here on a mission to hold a banner to congratulate our armed forces for Operation Sindoor. only God can help us from this situation. Please ask all to pray. This is from a satellite phone,” reads Khan's SOS message.

Acting on this, Chandrasekhar said he has taken it up with the Prime Minister’s office and also with the Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar.

"I hv alerted @DrSJaishankar and his team. I am also tagging Indian Embassy in Washington DC @IndianEmbassyUS to please help Stay Safe," Chandrasekhar wrote on his X handle while reposting the SOS message from Khan.

Incidentally, in June 2023, Khan, having climbed Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, had conquered the treacherous Mount Denali. Then he had spoken with IANS, calling "Denali a beautiful mountain, but Everest is a mighty one".

"Climbing Denali is more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. If you climb Denali, you could be better called a Mountaineer," said Khan to IANS over the phone from Denver in 2023.

The only mountain that Khan has not scaled so far is the tallest peak in Australia.

Khan works in the Kerala state secretariat and has taken a five-year leave to achieve his target of climbing the tallest peak on all the continents.

Reacting to Khan’s SOS, his close friend and a former colleague, George Mathew, told IANS that Khan had informed him that he is going back to scale Mount Denali again with a group of passionate mountaineers.

“We are all praying for his rescue and wish it happens quickly. He is so passionate about climbing mountains,” said Mathew.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Praying for Sheikh Hassan Khan's safe return 🙏 It's heartening to see our political leaders across parties coming together to help a fellow Indian in distress. Shows the true spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Hope the rescue mission succeeds soon!
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Rahul S.
While I admire his passion, I wonder if such risky expeditions should be undertaken repeatedly when we've seen so many tragedies. The government resources being used for rescue could be better utilized elsewhere. Just my thoughts.
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Anjali M.
As someone from Kerala, I'm so proud of Hassan sir's achievements! He's brought glory to our state by conquering so many peaks. The fact that he wanted to honor our armed forces makes it even more special. #BringHassanHome 🇮🇳
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Vikram J.
This shows how dangerous mountaineering can be. Denali is notorious for sudden weather changes. Hope the Indian embassy coordinates quickly with US authorities. Maybe we need better protocols for Indians attempting such expeditions abroad.
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Sunita P.
The man took 5 years leave to follow his passion! That's some dedication 👏 Hope he's rescued soon and completes his mission of scaling all continental peaks. His story is truly inspiring for Indian youth to chase their dreams, whatever they may be.
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Karthik R.
Interesting that he finds Denali tougher than Everest - goes against common perception. Shows his expertise. But I hope this incident makes people realize adventure sports need proper preparation and backup plans. Stay safe Hassan sir!

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