Authorities have suspended all rescue efforts for Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsyna, who was stranded at more than 22,900 feet on Pobeda Peak in Kyrgyzstan after breaking her leg. The 47-year-old mountaineer had been trapped for days in extreme weather conditions with little hope of survival.
The mission took a tragic turn when Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia attempted to save her. He carried food, water, and a sleeping bag to her location but died on the mountain from hypothermia and altitude sickness. His sacrifice underscored the danger faced by those who tried to reach her.
Helicopter crews also tried to assist but faced severe challenges. One Mi-8 helicopter crash-landed, injuring several rescuers, and bad weather forced another team to turn back while still thousands of feet below her position. Experts from the Russian Mountaineering Federation said that a successful rescue would have required a team of at least 30 people, something impossible given the terrain and conditions.
A drone last spotted Natalia alive on August 19, but worsening weather and the risks to rescuers led officials to call off the search. The mountain’s unpredictable environment has made further attempts impossible, leaving the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the deadly risks of high-altitude climbing.