Two Malaysians stranded on Alaskan mountain, one rescued

SHAH ALAM: One of the three Malaysian climbers who successfully reached the peak of Mount Denali, situated in Alaska, United States, was rescued after being trapped due to adverse weather conditions during their descent on Tuesday (May 28), a representative from Kelab Jelajah Alpine (KJA) said.

Sinar Harian reported that Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 47, is currently in hospital receiving treatment, while his two compatriots, Zainudin Lot, 47, and Zulkifli Yusuf, 37, await rescue at an altitude of approximately 5,990m.

The club’s representative reported that the emergency call and signals were made using satellite communication equipment on Tuesday afternoon after one of the three climbers had difficulty walking.

“Muhammad Illaham descended alone to Camp Five to get help from the rescue team to extract the two other climbers, including one with a leg injury,” the spokesperson said.

Expedition map for the conquest of Mount Denali’s summit, Alaska. Photo from Kelab Jelajah Alpine’s Facebook.

“The Park Rangers are ready for the rescue process and are waiting for suitable weather to allow helicopters to fly. I understand their condition is stable but they are suspected to have frostbite and hypothermia,” he added on Friday (May 31).

Previously, Muhammad Illaham, who is also the President of KJA, had successfully climbed several of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Everest in Nepal, Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, and Mount Carstensz in Indonesia.

The expedition involving the other two climbers is vying for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for an independent climb without assistance from any mountain guides or other external professional parties.