Overview

• A state security thermal‑imaging drone found no signs of life at the site where Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsyna was last located around 23,000 feet on Victory Peak.
• Authorities had already suspended operations due to severe weather and the lack of viable high‑altitude evacuation options.
• Earlier reconnaissance reportedly showed movement on August 19, but subsequent flyovers detected nothing, and Italian high‑altitude crews and light helicopters have left the area.
• Rescue efforts suffered serious setbacks, including the death of Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia during his descent, a Mi‑8 helicopter crash that injured rescuers, and health issues within climbing teams.
• Nagovitsyna’s son has urged renewed searches and sought Russian drone assistance, while officials indicate body recovery will likely wait until spring.