A CORRESPONDENT
SEPPA: A rescue team comprising of seven Indian Army personnel and civilian mountaineer Taro Hai on Sunday carried out an aerial search operation using three Cheetah helicopters and two advance light helicopters to locate missing mountaineers Tapi Mra and Niku Dao, but failed.
According to the ADC of Chayangtajo, Rajip Chiduni, the helicopters were able to reach up to Camp-2 (17,2110 feet above MSL approximately) and fly over saddle-2 and base of Mt Chiumo looking for the missing duo. The recce was carried out for approximately 30-45 minutes over the incident location.
The aerial search team was able to identify the location of Camp-1 Tent, Camp-2 Tent , foot track leading from Camp-1 to Camp-2 , and foot truck leading from Camp-2 to some distance (approximately 15-20 meters) in the northerly direction. However, no sign of any human presence was found.
Based on information gathered during aerial recce, a rescue team has been inducted at base camp. The Deputy Commissioner of the East Kameng district is currently stationed at Army Airbase to coordinate the rescue efforts along with the Indian Army.
Both the helicopters returned to Army Airbase due to deteriorating weather.
Everestser Tapi Mra and his assistant Niku Dao reportedly been missing since August 17 last when they were on an official mission to explore the snow-capped Mount Kyarisatam, one of the highest peaks of Arunachal Pradesh.
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