Is Kerala Mountaineer Sheikh Hassan Khan Stuck in a Storm on Mt Denali?
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Synopsis
A Kerala mountaineer, Sheikh Hassan Khan, finds himself in peril as he sends an SOS from the treacherous heights of Mount Denali. Stranded in a fierce storm, his urgent plea for help has sparked concern and action from local leaders. In this gripping tale, Khan's adventure takes a dramatic turn at 17,000 feet.
Key Takeaways
- Sheikh Hassan Khan is currently stranded at 17,000 feet on Mount Denali.
- He has sent an SOS message requesting urgent rescue.
- The Kerala BJP has mobilized efforts to assist him.
- Khan has a history of climbing major mountains across continents.
- He was on a mission to honor the armed forces when he got trapped.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 18 (NationPress) Sheikh Hassan Khan, a 38-year-old employee of the Kerala government, has sent out an SOS plea for urgent rescue after becoming trapped in a fierce storm at an altitude of 17,000 feet on Mount Denali, which stands as the tallest mountain in North America.
The President of Kerala BJP, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, shared Khan's SOS message on his X account on Wednesday.
"Sheikh Hassan Khan is caught in a severe storm on Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. He is urgently seeking help and managed to send an SOS via satellite phone..." Khan's message indicates, “Food and water are running low. I am here on a mission to display a banner congratulating our armed forces for Operation Sindoor. Only divine intervention can save us. Please ask everyone to pray. This SOS is sent from a satellite phone,” reads Khan's message.
In response, Chandrasekhar stated that he has contacted the Prime Minister’s office and the Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar.
"I've alerted @DrSJaishankar and his team. I'm also tagging the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC @IndianEmbassyUS for assistance. Stay safe," wrote Chandrasekhar while resharing Khan's SOS message.
Interestingly, in June 2023, Khan, who has previously ascended Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, had successfully summited the challenging Mount Denali. He described it as “a beautiful mountain, but Everest is the mighty one,” in an interview with IANS.
“Climbing Denali is more challenging than climbing Mount Everest. If you conquer Denali, you can truly call yourself a mountaineer,” Khan told IANS over the phone from Denver in 2023.
The only major peak Khan has yet to summit is the tallest mountain in Australia.
Khan, who works at the Kerala state secretariat, has taken a five-year leave to fulfill his ambition of climbing the highest mountains across all continents.
Reacting to Khan’s SOS, his close friend and former colleague, George Mathew, expressed to IANS that Khan mentioned he would return to scale Mount Denali with a group of enthusiastic mountaineers.
“We are all praying for his swift rescue. His passion for mountain climbing is remarkable,” Mathew expressed.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach Sheikh Hassan Khan's situation with the utmost seriousness. His SOS highlights the risks associated with extreme mountaineering and the urgent need for effective rescue operations in challenging conditions. The response from local authorities showcases the commitment to support our fellow citizens in peril, reinforcing the nation's dedication to ensuring safety in adventure sports.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sheikh Hassan Khan?
Sheikh Hassan Khan sent an SOS message after becoming stranded in a severe storm on Mount Denali at 17,000 feet, seeking immediate rescue.
Who is assisting in the rescue efforts?
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has contacted the Prime Minister’s office and the Minister of External Affairs to facilitate rescue efforts.
What is Sheikh Hassan Khan known for?
He is a passionate mountaineer who has successfully climbed several major peaks, including Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro.
What is the significance of Operation Sindoor?
Khan was on a mission to congratulate the armed forces for Operation Sindoor when he became trapped on Denali.
What challenges does climbing Denali pose?
Climbing Denali is considered more challenging than Mount Everest due to its extreme weather and technical difficulties.
