Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Tragedy has struck on Annapurna as an avalanche has claimed the fate of two Sherpas, Rima Rinje Sherpa and Ngima Tashi Sherpa, who were caught in the perilous area between Camp 2 and Camp 3. The incident occurred this morning while they were transporting oxygen cylinders for climbers attempting the summit. Following the avalanche, a search-and-rescue helicopter was dispatched, and additional support is on its way from Base Camp as efforts to locate the missing Sherpas continue.
Both men hailed from the Khumbu Valley and were affiliated with Seven Summit Treks, a well-known Kathmandu-based outfitter. Earlier reports from the company did not mention the avalanche but rather focused on the summit achievements of their team. Later in the day, expedition leader Chhang Dawa Sherpa provided further details, including a video capturing the avalanche, which was recorded by Brazilian climber Roman Romancini, who fortunately was at a safer location down the mountain when the incident occurred.
Search Efforts Underway
The avalanche struck at approximately 5,600 meters around noon, with Chhang Dawa noting that Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje were swept away during their efforts. Pemba Thenduk, who was also affected by the avalanche, managed to steady himself and initiated a search for his colleagues. Additionally, four other Sherpas promptly ventured into the area to search for the missing men but came up empty-handed.
According to Chhang Dawa, search efforts using the helicopter continued until nightfall without any breakthroughs. He has arranged for another search team to return on the morrow to pursue the search, despite the low likelihood of recovering the Sherpas alive. “I am not losing hope,” he expressed, emphasizing his commitment to finding them.
Roman Romancini, who had been climbing with Seven Summit Treks, turned back for safety several hours after starting from Camp 3 the previous day. He managed to avoid the treacherous section where the avalanche occurred. Upon returning to Base Camp, Romancini recounted the harrowing experience, deeply affected by the unfolding tragedy.
Impact on Climbers
The avalanche has further complicated matters for the numerous climbers still on the mountain. Chhang Dawa noted the extent of the disruption caused to the route between Camp 2 and Camp 3, stating that the team would attempt to restore the path by the following day.
There are limited updates on the status of the climbers who summited earlier, but Lakpa Sherpa from 8K Expeditions has confirmed that his team safely returned to Camp 3 and is optimistic about making their way back to Base Camp on the morrow. More updates are expected as teams continue their ascent and recover from the ordeal.
A Farewell to Annapurna
Mingma G successfully led his team to the summit but has decided to say farewell to Annapurna. The seasoned Himalayan guide expressed his apprehension regarding the mounting risks, particularly concerning avalanches in the Camp 2 to Camp 3 corridor. He reflected on the challenging conditions faced this year, attributing them to dry weather, increased crevasses, and precarious seracs.
Expressing a heavy heart, he stated, “Today I made my final goodbye to this beautiful mountain. I won’t be leading any expeditions here in the future. This mountain is just too risky.” The allure of Annapurna has captivated many, but for Mingma, the dangers have overshadowed its beauty. He recognized that while the mountain remains breathtaking, the risks to life are now too significant to ignore.
Source
explorersweb.com