An experienced alpinist now residing in Chamonix, France, Manners described how a loose rock severed the rope, plunging her into despair as they lost all safety equipment crucial for their survival.
“We had none of our safety equipment left—no tent, no stove for melting snow, and no warm clothes for the night,” she stated.
Despite the dangerous situation, they managed to send a text message that initiated a search and rescue operation.
“They attempted the rescue, but conditions were brutal,” said Manners, highlighting the adverse weather and difficult terrain.
After managing to abseil down for water, the climbers barely survived through the storm, knowing they had to find their way down themselves.
Manners, who made history in 2022 as the first woman to ascend the Phantom Direct route on Mont Blanc’s Grand Jorasses, emphasized her ambition to inspire women in the field of alpinism.
She acknowledged the incident as unfortunate but rare, stating, “We did well to survive and retreat as we did.”
Exhausted but revitalized, Manners and Dvorak plan to enjoy local Indian cuisine before returning home to their families.
A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed support for the family of a British climber reported missing in India, stating she has been successfully rescued.