CNN Reports on Climbers Stranded in the Himalayas

Three Days of Survival: The Struggle in the Himalayas

Fay Manners and Michelle Dvorak found themselves in the grip of despair when a falling rock severed their rope, sending their supplies tumbling down the icy slopes. At over 6,000 meters, they were devoid of essential gear, including food and shelter. Manners recounted her shock, stating, “How has this happened? Like, what’s going on?” Their mission for ascendancy turned into a survival battle.

The Climbing Challenge

• Preparation: The duo endured extreme conditions while attempting to summit Chaukhamba III.
• Resilience: Their determination to conquer the peak led them on a path fraught with peril.
• First Attempt: After several attempts, they were within striking distance of their goal.

The Days of Desperation

The loss of their stove rendered their dehydrated meals useless, forcing them to rely on only two energy bars. They abseiled down to collect tiny ice drips for hydration. Manners described nights of hardship, “I was close to hypothermia... that sleeping bag saved our lives.”

Rescue at Last

Thanks to a search team that included the French mountaineers, Manners and Dvorak were eventually airlifted to safety. As they munched on cheese and reflected on their survival, Manners expressed her desire to return to the peak she almost conquered. Her story serves as inspiration, encouraging women to pursue mountaineering.