The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday rescued an Israeli national suffering from acute mountain sickness and having difficulty in breathing in the high altitude area of Ladakh, a defence spokesperson said.
Srinagar-based Defence spokesperson Col Emron Musavi said at 10:40 am, 114 Helicopter Unit received a call for Casevac (casualty evacuation) from Nimaling Camp near the Markha valley.
Noam Gil, an Israeli national was suffering from acute mountain sickness and was having difficulty in breathing in the high altitude area. His oxygen level had dropped to 68%. In view of the severity of his condition, he had to be rescued from this valley which is known for severe turbulent conditions.
Led by Wg Cdr Ashish Kapoor, Flt Cdr 114 Helicopter Unit, with Flt Lt Kushagra Singh and Wg Cdr S Badiyaree and Sqn Ldr S Nagpal as no 2, got airborne within 20 minutes for this time critical mission, HE SAID
Braving strong winds and turbulent conditions, the formation reached the spot in about 45 minutes, however the casualty was in a steady move to lower altitudes, Musavi said.
“After a continuous search of 30min the casualty was spotted at river Gorge at valley bottom. The valley being very narrow there was difficulty in manoeuvring the aircraft. The formation leader led in for an approach on an unprepared surface on the valley bottom. With the assistance of number 2 holding overhead and proficiency
of number 1, the landing was carried out in one of the most restricted spaces ever landed in this particular valley,” he said.
The casualty was emplaned at low hover and the formation got airborne immediately. Being on less fuel, the formation routed back via standby route braving all the difficulties the formation finally landed at Leh, he added.
