High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri lauds Pakistani climber’s courageous gesture

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week lauded a Pakistani climber’s courageous gesture to rescue Frenchman Vadim Druelle on Annapurna.

“A Pakistani climber’s courageous gesture to rescue Frenchman Vadim Druelle on Annapurna – A story of bravery and altruism,” the envoy posted on X.

French mountaineer Vadim Druelle, 23, had to be rescued on Annapurna while attempting to acclimatize for his ascent. The extremely difficult summit veteran was descending from Camp 3 when he fell into a crevasse nearly 20 meters deep. His climbing partner, Pakistani Sirbaz Khan, quickly alerted three Sherpas located downstream.

The Frenchman reportedly suffered facial injuries and frostbite to his hand. He was airlifted to Kathmandu and placed in intensive care.

“Sirbaz Khan took the initiative to use an old rope to descend into the crevasse himself.”

“In an act of remarkable courage, Sirbaz Khan took the initiative to use an old rope to lower himself into the crevasse. Thanks to his determination, he finally managed to pull him out and bring him to safety,” his family said in a statement relayed by France 3. They also stated that “no one saw the accident and knows what really happened, and that Vadim has no memory . “

The Frenchman is now expected to be hospitalized for a week in Nepal before being repatriated to France to continue his treatment, according to the Dauphiné Libéré . ??Last year, he suffered from edema at Annapurna Base Camp, even before his ascent.