Drone plays part in K2 rescue

A historic rescue on K2, the second highest mountain in the world located along the China – Pakistan boarder was aided using drone technology.

Scottish mountaineer Rich Allen was ascending the mountain with climbing partner Sandy Allan when he fell and was knocked unconscious and suffered from cuts and frostbite. He was spotted around 36 hours later by a base camp cook.

Bartłomiej and Andrzej Bargiel, two Polish nationals, were at K2 to film Andrzej’s attempt to ski down the mountain – which he later completed; the first person to ever do so. After hearing of the mountaineer in distress, Bartłomiej launched his DJI Mavic Pro drone, locating Allen. He was then able to guide Sherpas and climbers to Allen’s location, where he was rescued.

Allen is now back in Scotland, and is said to have praised the Polish pair for their quick thinking.