British tourist dies, another rescued in Dhauladhar hills trekking incident

New Delhi: During a rescue operation in the Dhauladhar hills, the State Disaster Management Authority rescued British national Robert John, while the body of another UK citizen, Howard Thomas Harry, was recovered.

SP SDRF Arjit Sen said that at around 6 pm on February 16, the Kangra unit of HPSDRF received information from the Kangra administration about two injured British tourists trekking near Thathri, Khanyara, in Tehsil Dharamshala.

A rescue team of 10 personnel was deployed at 6.30 pm and began trekking from the Thathri Power Project. Upon reaching Dritto Cafe, they learned that the victims were trapped 4 km further up in challenging conditions.

After four hours of trekking, the team located the victims at 10.30 pm. One was in critical condition. The team secured him on a stretcher and began the difficult descent.

Despite their efforts, Howard Thomas Harry was declared dead on arrival at Zonal Hospital Dharamsala. His companion, Robert John, is safe.

The local administration is taking further necessary action.