Efforts to save a respected Russian mountaineer stranded for days in subzero conditions on one of Central Asia’s most treacherous peaks have ended in heartbreak and uncertainty.

Natalia Nagovitsina, 47, has not been heard from since Aug. 12, after suffering a broken leg at 22,965 feet on Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan, and rescue crews have now called off operations, citing deadly conditions and diminishing hope, as the Daily Mail reports.

Nagovitsina, a celebrated figure in the mountaineering world, sustained her injuries during an ascent on Victory Peak, a 24,406-foot mountain known for its merciless weather and high-altitude dangers. Her climbing partner initially tried to assist her, but was ultimately forced to descend alone to alert authorities to her dire situation. This desperate attempt to save her launched a grueling 10-day international rescue effort.

From Aug. 13 onward, teams of rescuers -- by air and on foot -- fought to reach the stranded mountaineer. But severe weather, limited visibility, and mechanical issues with helicopters hampered all progress. Conditions were relentlessly cold, with temperatures plunging to minus 23 degrees Celsius, creating a formidable barrier even for experienced rescuers.

The situation grew even more tragic when Italian mountaineer Luca Sinigaglia, 49, sacrificed his own safety to reach Nagovitsina. He climbed to her location with vital supplies: a sleeping bag, a tent, food, water, and a gas cooker. This act of heroism gave hope that Natalia might survive a few more days until extraction could be achieved.

Rescuers faced deadly risks, setbacks

Despite getting vital aid to Nagovitsina, rescuers were unable to bring her down due to the relentless weather. Sinigaglia ultimately succumbed to the brutal environment himself, reportedly dying from oxygen deprivation and hypothermia after lingering at the high altitude for an extended period. His death added a second layer of tragedy to an already harrowing situation.

Drone footage captured just four days ago showed signs of possible movement beneath Nagovitsina's sleeping bag -- a flicker of hope that she might still be alive. Yet, rescuers emphasizing the severity of the situation noted that surviving more than nine days at such an elevation, even with supplies, is almost impossible.

“She has been at an altitude of seven thousand meters for more than nine days,” said Eduard Kubatov, head of Kyrgyzstan’s Mountaineering Federation. “This is practically incompatible with normal life.” He emphasized that at those heights, the human body starts to deteriorate rapidly due to the intense physical toll and thin oxygen levels.

Most recent rescue attempt stopped by storms

On Saturday, Aug. 23, the rescue mission faced its ultimate blow when a final ground team, led by experienced mountaineer Vitaly Akimov, was forced to turn back just 3,600 feet below Nagovitsina’s last known location. Increasing storm activity and injuries among the team, including one from a helicopter crash, made further progression too dangerous.

Two large helicopters -- a military Mi-8 and a civilian Mi-17VM -- attempted extraction missions. However, both efforts failed when poor visibility and high winds caused near-fatal complications, including a crash. Several rescuers were injured, and the already strained operation was pushed beyond its limits.

“I turned the whole group around,” said Dmitry Grekov, rescue leader and coordinator at the Victory Peak base camp. “There were four of them. It is unrealistic to survive at such an altitude.” According to Grekov and others, the likelihood of Nagovitsina still being alive dwindled with each hour that passed.

Past heroism haunts present ordeal

Nagovitsina’s resolve in the face of danger was well-documented. In 2021, she stayed beside her husband, Sergei, as he suffered a stroke near the summit of Khan Tengri at over 22,600 feet. Despite rescue instructions urging her to descend, she refused to leave his side as conditions worsened. Sergei eventually passed away, but her defiance became a symbol of loyalty within the mountaineering community.

At the time, she told rescuers, “I understand everything, but I will not leave him alone.” She spent the night with him, giving him water as he lay helpless. In a solemn return to the same mountain a year later, she installed a plaque in his memory at the site where he perished.

This history only renewed concern and sentiment surrounding her current ordeal. Many hoped that her experience and willpower would carry her through another extreme situation. But this time, the odds were stacked even higher against her.

Lessons to learn

1. Recognize limits at high elevation: Even the most seasoned climbers face life-threatening risks above 7,000 meters. Expeditions should build in multiple exit strategies and acknowledge when conditions make survival untenable, no matter the experience of those involved.

2. Prepare for rescue delays: Rescue missions, especially at extreme altitudes, are often hindered by unpredictable weather and technical failures. Climbers must pack enough equipment and emergency supplies to sustain themselves for extended durations in isolation.

3. Support doesn't eliminate risk: Natalia was not alone in her struggle -- rescuers risked their lives to save her. Tragically, one of them didn’t survive. This shows that despite the best efforts, survival isn’t always possible. No matter the precautions, we should never blame victims for the tragic outcomes of unpredictable environments.

Why this story matters

This story is a grim reminder of the fine line between adventure and tragedy that mountaineers walk. It shines a spotlight on the limits of human endurance and the harsh realities of high-altitude expeditions.

More broadly, it serves to honor the sacrifices made by all involved -- especially those who risked their own survival in an attempt to save another.