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Japanese Climbers Missing on K2; Successful Summits on Broad Peak Amid Treacherous Conditions
Tragedy strikes on K2 as two Japanese climbers go missing, while climbers celebrate summiting Broad Peak. Our thoughts are with the families of the missing climbers.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-27
Japanese Climbers Missing on K2; Successful Summits on Broad Peak Amid Treacherous Conditions

Two Japanese climbers, Kazuya Hirade and Kenro Nakajima, went missing while attempting to scale K2, the world's second-highest mountain, early Saturday morning. The climbers fell from a height of 7,500 meters on the west side of K2, as confirmed by Shigar Deputy Commissioner Waliullah Falahi.

Search operations were swiftly launched by Pakistan Army helicopters from Skardu, but the helicopters, unable to land or hover at such high altitudes, could only observe the fallen climbers from above, noting no signs of movement. A ground rescue team is being organized to retrieve the climbers, though their condition remains unknown.

In stark contrast, the same morning saw successful summits on Broad Peak (8,051m), where 12 Pakistanis, one Russian, and two Nepalese climbers reached the top in favorable weather conditions. The climbers, from Karakoram Expeditions, braved waist-deep snow and challenging conditions to achieve this feat.

Led by renowned climber Mirza Ali, the team included Ahmed Baig, Arshad Karim, Rizwan Dad, Waqar Ali, Daulat Muhammad, Afreen Shah, Zaman Karim from Shimshal Valley, Murad Ali from Balochistan, and Russian climber Iya Pershina. They departed from Camp 2 at 5:30 am and continued their ascent from Camp 3 at 11 am, navigating deep snow and exposed crevasses.

Mirza Ali expressed immense pride in his team's accomplishment, highlighting their perseverance and dedication. Another team, Broadboy Adventures, led by Shehroze Kashif, the youngest Pakistani climber to summit K2, also reached the summit of Broad Peak at 11:30 am. The team included Aamar Butt from the USA, Anum Uzair from Lahore, and Ali Akbar and Ali from Houshe, Gilgit-Baltistan.

Additionally, Sunu Sherpa from Nepal set a world record by climbing Broad Peak for the third time with Summit Karakoram. Known for his extraordinary mountaineering skills, Sunu has previously summited the world's 14 eight-thousanders twice and is now aiming to complete this feat for a third time.

Meanwhile, at K2 base camp, climbers, including Mingma G from Imagine Nepal, waited for a month for favorable weather before making their push for the summit. Mingma reported significant snowfall despite weeks of high winds, with hopes to reach the summit soon.

As the climbing season in the Karakoram range nears its end, over 2,000 local and foreign mountaineers are attempting to scale several eight-thousanders, including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, and Nanga Parbat.
Tagged:

Mountaineering

K2

BroadPeak

Climbing

Adventure
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