Army search & rescue operations continue in Arunachal to find two missing Mountaineers

Itanagar, Sept 5: The search operation that was recently launched by the Indian Army to find two missing mountaineers from an expedition team of Arunachal Pradesh, including one from the state's Tapi Mra, continued on Sunday (Sept 4).

 

 

 

According to a statement by Lt Col AS Walia, PRO (Defence), Tezpur, Group 1 made progress short of Yarchum till 6 pm. "Due to extremely inclement weather, the party could not cross the confluence of Kameng R and Wapriyang Bung. Tomorrow morning the party will be establishing an improvised, 30m long crossing, using their expert mountaineering and river crossing skills, which will be the most challenging part of the foot induction route," said the release on Sunday (Sept 4).

 

 

 

 

 

Group 2 also successfully reached Longchu on day 1 of their induction. Heli SAR Team continued to remain on standby at Seppa on a 30 mins notice to induct directly to Takte Base Camp and commence its search mission in camp 2. According to the PRo, Group 1 will continue to march on Yarchum on Monday (Sept 5).

 

  

"To support the effort of Group 1, Group 2 will follow behind and reach Korongtung, as per plan," said the PRO. Two members of the expedition have been untraceable since Aug 17 as reported by the balance six members of the expedition, who reached Seppa from their Base camp on the evening of Aug 29.