Two Israeli and two Russian trekkers are stuck in a blizzard at the Shumakskie Istochniki trek on the border of Mongolia and Russia. The four travelers are located in a rocky area some 6,600 feet above sea level and cannot get out of there on their own..
A spokesperson for rescue company Magnus told Israeli media that the Israeli trekkers are well and healthy, but said that plans to send a long distance rescue team after them were scrapped in favor of reaching out to local rescuers.
Magnus teams are on call to carry out policies issued by five leading Israeli insurance companies that offer its services. Founded to provide Israeli travelers and their families with solutions in case of loss of contact and emergency while abroad, Magnus’ skilled teams plan and launch rescue operations at short notice.
Magnus expert in vertical rescue and climbing Eyal Naor told Israeli media that “from the moment we received the signal we’ve been working to effect a quick and safe rescue of the group. The group members are exposed to extreme cold, which is why we must get them out of there quickly.”
The four trekkers started broadcasting a distress signal via satellite phone early Tuesday morning, reporting that they are stuck in the snow, unable to advance, that their equipment is drenched and that the gas in their single burner is about to run out.
The Israeli consul in Russia Jacob Rosh has been in phone contact with Russian authorities in order to receive their assistance in the rescue effort. A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “we are working in tight cooperation and mutual notification with the Magnus company.”