LEH: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Ladakh, on Monday recovered the body of a French national from the Alchi Dam, nearly ten months after he went missing following a road accident.
According to press release issued by Police, the SDRF received information at around 11:13 am regarding a body floating in the waters of Alchi Dam. Acting swiftly, an SDRF rescue team was dispatched to the site and, after a coordinated operation, successfully retrieved the body at approximately 2:20 pm.
The deceased has been identified as Patrick Ducasse, a citizen of France, who had been missing since September 10, 2025. Official records indicate that Ducasse met with a road accident near Nyarak, following which he reportedly fell into the river and was swept away by the strong currents.
Immediately after the incident last year, the SDRF, in coordination with the local police and other concerned agencies, launched an extensive search and rescue operation from September 10 to September 12, 2025. Rescue teams combed the river stretch for three consecutive days despite challenging terrain and water conditions. However, despite sustained efforts, the missing tourist could not be located at the time.
The recovery of the body from Alchi Dam marks the culmination of the long-pending case, bringing closure to the months-long search for the missing foreign national. Following the recovery, the body was handed over to the concerned police station for completion of legal formalities, including identification procedures and further investigation as per established protocols.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by mountain roads and fast-flowing rivers in the region, particularly for travellers navigating remote areas of Ladakh.
