Hope has faded for Russian mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsina, 47, trapped 22,000ft up Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan. She has been stranded for over ten days with a broken leg, little food, and freezing temperatures of minus 23C.
Rescuers made repeated attempts, using climbers and helicopters, but all failed due to extreme weather and altitude. Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia risked his life to deliver her food and a sleeping bag but later died from hypothermia. “It would be a miracle if she is alive,” said rescue leader Dmitry Grekov.
Nagovitsina was once known for refusing to abandon her husband during a previous expedition, showing remarkable devotion. Now, her courage is once again at the center of a heartbreaking story. Officials confirmed all rescue efforts have been called off.
“Life at such altitude is unrealistic,” rescuers admitted. Her fate remains uncertain, but her bravery will not be forgotten. Should more be done to protect climbers attempting such deadly peaks?
