Indian Air Force rescue Israeli tourist in a daredevil mission in Ladakh

Srinagar: Indian army rescued an Israeli tourist in a daredevil operation at high-altitude Markha Valley in Ladakh.

A defence spokesman said 114 Helicopter Unit received a call for casualty evacuation from Nimaling Camp near Markha Valley.

Atar Kahana, an Israeli national, was suffering from high altitude sickness, including vomiting and low oxygen saturation. Two teams immediately were mobilized to rescue the tourist.

Leading from the front, Wg Cdr Ashish Kapoor, Flt Lt Rhythm Mehra, Sqn Ldr Neha Singh, and Sqn Ldr Ajinkya Kher got airborne within minutes

Following the Shortest Route, the aircraft reached the spot within 20 minutes of flying time and spotted the casualty on the Gongmaru La pass at an elevation of 16800 feet.

The first aircrew carried out a thorough recce and landed at the pass with the assistance of the second crew. Despite the turbulent weather conditions, the rescue team picked up the casualty from the pass.

The casualty was recovered expeditiously within the limited time of 1 hour at Air Force Station Leh.