Mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsina tragically loses her spouse in the high peaks, and then ascends once more.

Stranded Mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsyna Faces Challenging Rescue on Victory Peak

Russian mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsyna is currently stranded on Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 7439 meters, with a broken toe and no food or communication. The harsh conditions of the peak, combined with the lack of resources, have made her rescue a complex and challenging task.

Natalia Nagovitsyna, an experienced mountaineer who started climbing in 2016, suffered a severe leg fracture while descending from Victory Peak on August 12. Her story is known in the mountaineering community as an example of courage and selflessness, as she refused to leave her husband's side until his death a year ago.

In August 2021, her husband, Sergei, suffered a stroke at 6900 meters on the peak of Khan Tengri (7010 meters), near Mount Victory. Despite rescuers' pleas, Natalia chose to stay by his side until his passing. A year later, she returned to the summit to place a memorial plaque in her husband's honor.

Rescue workers estimate it could take several days to reach Natalia by land, weather permitting. The Vice-President of the Russian Mountaineering Federation, Alexander Piatnitsyn, believes the chances of saving Natalia are extremely low, requiring at least 30 people for evacuation. He notes that the Italian mountaineer who tried to help Natalia died on August 14 from frostbite and suspected brain edema.

On August 13, two other mountaineers reached Natalia and brought her food, gas, and a sleeping bag, but were unable to organize a descent due to worsening weather and fatigue. Drone data shows that Natalia was last seen alive on August 19, lying in a torn tent, wrapped in a sleeping bag, with minimal water and gas supply left.

EMERCOM officials have reported a likely death of Natalia Nagovitsyna, but her death is not yet officially confirmed. The person coordinating the efforts to save Natalia is Olga Litvinina, a human rights defender.

Mount Victory is considered the harshest peak in the region, with colder temperatures, heavier air, stronger winds, and poor visibility. Despite these challenges, Natalia Nagovitsyna's resilience and determination continue to inspire those who know her story.

The world awaits news of her safe rescue, as the mountaineering community keeps Natalia in their thoughts and prayers.

Mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsina tragically loses her spouse in the high peaks, and then ascends once more.