Caught on video: Rescue operation to extract Anurag Maloo from Mt Annapurna’s crevasse

“We commend Adam Bielecki for his unwavering courage and professionalism in the face of danger. Thank you for your incredible bravery and expertise in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the crevasse on Annapurna I (8091 m). Your help in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the crevasse is nothing short of extraordinary. RESPECT,” mountaineering account Everest Today wrote on Twitter.

We commend Adam Bielecki @AdamTheClimber for his unwavering courage and professionalism in the face of danger. Thank you for your incredible bravery and expertise in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the crevasse on Annapurna I (8091 m). Your help in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the… pic.twitter.com/bHrJj0Gq52

— Everest Today (@EverestToday) April 20, 2023

Maloo was located by a team of rescuers after three days of intense efforts. He was rescued from a deep crevasse, 300 metres below the 6,000-metre point, in an operation that was as dangerous as the expedition itself.

The rescue team consisted of six sherpas and two foreigners, and were aided and assisted by the Indian and Nepalese governments. When the team found Maloo, he showed no visible signs of life, but efforts by a team of doctors brought “rhythm” to his vital organs and some movement in his limbs.

Mingma Sherpa, chairman of the Seven Summit Treks which was also involved in Anurag’s rescue efforts, had told The Indian Express that the rescue operation at that particular spot was “very risky, as there were avalanches every hour”.

He said that “Chhepal Sherpa, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Dawa Nurbu Sherpa, Tashi Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa and then one of the best climbers, the Polish Adam Bielecki, plus a friend of Adam’s” were involved in the rescue efforts, along with Indian and Nepalese authorities. Mariusz Hatala is the friend Mingma referred to. The team was assisted by Captain Sobit Gauchan, who was manning a chopper on standby.