Hassan Khan, from Kerala, and his climbing partner from Tamil Nadu were reportedly returning from Camp V to the base camp when contact was established.
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 10:07 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2025 | 11:04 AM
File photo of Kerala mountaineer Shaikh Hassan Khan. (X/ Shashi Tharoor)
Synopsis: Kerala mountaineer Shaikh Hassan Khan, earlier stranded at Mount Denali’s 17,000-ft base camp, has been found safe, confirmed by Alaska officials. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Kerala FM Balagopal had urged MEA’s intervention. Khan and his partner are descending safely with ranger support. He was on “Operation Sindoor,” a peace mission, after completing the Seven Summits Expedition.
Kerala based mountaineer Shaikh Hassan Khan, who was stranded at the 17,000-ft base camp of Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, has been found safe, according to the chief of staff to the Governor of Alaska. He informed MEA about the update.
The update comes amid the letter written by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, 18 June, in which he has called on the MEA to urgently intervene and rescue Shaikh Hassan Khan.
In the letter to Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Tharoor had stressed the seriousness of Khan’s condition and requested coordination with the USA authorities for a swift evacuation.
Hassan Khan, from Kerala, and his climbing partner from Tamil Nadu were reportedly returning from Camp V to the base camp when contact was established.
Officials spoke directly to the two climbers and confirmed they are both safe. This information was also confirmed by dispatcher code GL193 from Denali.
“The two mountaineers are now climbing down on their own. Rangers are in regular contact with them and are providing support as needed,” said a statement from the MEA.
Earlier, Hassan Khan had contacted his friends using a satellite phone, saying they were stuck on the mountain due to a sudden snowstorm.
Khan, an Assistant Section Officer in Kerala’s finance department, is on an expedition titled “Operation Sindoor” to promote global peace and honour the Indian armed forces.
Khan recently completed his “Seven Summits Expedition,” climbing the tallest peaks on all seven continents.
Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal has also urged the Union government to take immediate steps to ensure Khan’s safe return.
His letter further read, “His mountaineering efforts, including scaling the highest peaks on multiple continents, reflect exceptional determination, discipline, and a commitment to causes beyond personal achievement.”
Urging urgent intervention, Tharoor had wrote: “It is deeply distressing that such a committed and courageous young Indian, whose pursuits have brought quiet distinction to our country, now finds himself in a precarious and life-threatening situation. I would be grateful if your offices could urgently take up this matter and coordinate with the relevant U.S. authorities to rescue Mr. Khan.”
The Thiruvananthapuram MP had also shared the contact details: “The following details may assist in facilitating the rescue effort-Full Name: Ali Shahida Shaikh Hassan Khan; Passport Number: U7997090; and Satellite Contact Number: +881631639270.”
“I am confident that with your timely intervention and the cooperation of the appropriate American agencies, these young men can be brought to safety. I remain available for any coordination or support that may be required from my end,” he had added.
Sadly the heroic young explorer is now stranded on Mount Denali. My urgent request for help from the Foreign Minister and our diplomats in the US: https://t.co/B7JKrY2gZO pic.twitter.com/OTXwbKBWaA
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 18, 2025
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
