Military uses radar technology to search missing K2 climbers

Gilgit Baltistan Home Secretary Muhammad Al Randhawa said Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) mission launched at 11:30 on Thursday to search the missing climbers Muhammad Ali Sadpara and two other foreign mountaineers.

Randhawa said porters were also on the ground for the search mission. 

FLIR, typically used on military and civilian aircraft, is a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation. 

Reportedly, a search operation has been launched by Pakistan Air Force C-130 (Forward Looking Infra Radar Radar) to find the missing climbers.

The three of them were last seen at the Bottleneck barely 400 metres below the summit of K2, also known as the Savage Mountain.

Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan sharing an update about the search operation said, “In a high-profile meeting it is decided that search activities can only be initiated after tracing exact whereabouts location or imaginary sign of the missing climbers. And for this at least four High Altitude climbers and 4 rescuers will be involved.”

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“Duration of search activity is likely to be extended up to 60 days. Embassies of both foreign nationals may also be taken on board regarding search activities and assistance in the form of international rescue climbers.”

Earlier he said the rescue operation had been suspended for the time being, but it was not over yet.

Iceland Space Agency said, “Honoured to contribute in some small way to the massive international effort to help bring our boys home. Sending our respect to the families and friends of those still missing and to the brave SAR teams on the ground and in the air.”

A virtual basecamp has already been set up by Vanessa O’Brien for locating missing climbers while the Pakistan Army Spokesperson said army aviation has been doing all-out efforts to locate the national hero Muhammad Ali Sadpara and two foreign climbers.