Rescue Efforts Underway for Missing Climbers on Broad Peak

Rescue operations in Pakistan are ongoing in search of climbers missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak. Officials reported finding four bodies on Friday, continuing efforts to locate six others despite challenging weather affecting helicopter flights.

Senior government sources, who preferred anonymity, mentioned harsh weather hindering the retrieval of the bodies. The identities of the found climbers have not been disclosed yet.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain released a statement highlighting the weather’s impact on the rescue mission. The climbers lost contact with their base camp following the avalanche while attempting to climb Broad Peak, said Karrar Haidri, Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. He confirmed the involvement of army helicopters in the operation.

Search operations persisted until Friday evening and are set to resume on Saturday. The expedition comprised climbers from various nationalities, including five Nepalis, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, Chinese climber Wang, and another foreign climber.

China is verifying the involvement of its citizens in the missing group, stated Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in Beijing. Mao emphasized support for Chinese citizens in need, offering assistance to Pakistan if required.

Nirmal Purja, a notable Nepal-born mountaineer, led the expedition. Known for scaling the world’s 14 highest peaks in 189 days during 2019, Purja’s achievement is documented in the Netflix film, “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.” Since then, his record has been surpassed.

Moving Mountains, a travel agency in Pakistan, revealed last month the team’s departure towards Askole, wishing them a secure climb on Broad Peak. Geis’ first attempt at an 8,000-meter peak, and Sakhi’s anticipated final one, mark notable milestones. Sakhi, a guide, geographer, and high-altitude photographer, has conquered numerous major peaks.

Geis, 39, residing in San Antonio, announced on social media her studio’s closure in pursuit of new adventures involving mountaineering gear.

Broad Peak is the 12th-highest mountain worldwide, measuring 8,047 meters. Located in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, it draws climbers globally due to its five peaks above 8,000 meters. However, the risk of avalanches and unstable weather presents frequent challenges in Northern Pakistan’s climbing expeditions.

The report features contributions from AP journalists E. Eduardo Castillo in Beijing and Hallie Golden in Seattle.