Indian Air Force on tuesday rescued an American woman trekker in Leh. Margaret Allen Stone was stranded for 20 days in Zhingchan area of Ladakh. The US Embassy asked Air Force to locate Margaret Stone through Indian Defence Ministry.
Stone was on a trekking expedition in Zhingchan region which is 75 kms away from Leh. She got stranded after suffering an injury during her trek on September 6 and remained stranded without any assistance for next 20 days.
On 26th September, US Embassy approached IAF for help. Responding to the distress call from US Embassy, IAF set out a rescue operation with the help of district administration and succeeded in tracing her. When IAF personnel found her, she was in a critical condition. Her condition had worsened due to injury and not getting the medical attention. After rescuing, she was brought to Leh hospital by IAF helicopter in the evening of 26 September where she was getting the medical care.
The US citizen is recuperating at the hospital and the district administration will ensure her safe return to her country, the SSP of Leh told Hindustan Times.
“IAF responded to the situation with requisite alacrity. Exact location of Ms Stine was ascertained with the help of civil administration and by evening two IAF helicopters were able to locate Ms Stone in the Valley. Ms Stone was brought to the safety of Leh hospital for medical care by sunset on 26 September 17,” read a statement by the IAF.
