A ten-member international mountaineering team, led by the celebrated Nepal-born former Royal Marine Nirmal Purja, is feared missing following an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak, one of the world's highest mountains.
Pakistani mountaineering officials reported that the avalanche struck the 8,047-metre (26,400 ft) peak in the Karakoram range around midday on Thursday. There has been no communication from the climbing group since the incident.
The missing team includes an American, a Chinese national, an Omani, and five Nepalis, in addition to expedition leader Purja. Known for his remarkable achievement in 2019 of climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre plus mountains in just over six months, Purja has a distinguished background. He joined the British Army in 2003 and became a Royal Marine in 2009. His climbing career began unexpectedly in 2012 when, after walking to Everest base camp, he decided to ascend the entire mountain instead of returning as planned.
Broad Peak, ranked as the world's 12th highest peak, is considered one of the more challenging mountains for expeditions. Search and rescue efforts are being mobilised, with hopes of deploying a helicopter if weather conditions permit.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan has issued a statement confirming it is "in constant contact" with government authorities to launch "an immediate search and rescue operation." The club affirmed that "every possible effort" is being made to secure helicopter support and ensure "all available resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity."
The statement concluded with a message of solidarity: "The Club prays for the safety and successful rescue of all the climbers and stands in solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community during this difficult time."
Searchers hope to use a helicopter if weather permits.
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