Nirmal Purja, the Nepal-born former Royal Marine who climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months, is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak. Pakistani mountaineering officials say the avalanche struck at around midday Thursday on the 8,047-metre mountain in the Karakoram range. There has been no communication with the team since.
According to BBC News, the international team includes an American, a Chinese national, an Omani, and five Nepalis. Purja is the expedition leader.
Karrar Haidri, the vice-president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, told the BBC that rescue efforts were being organized. "We are coordinating with the authorities and trying to arrange a helicopter rescue on Friday morning Pakistani time depending on weather condition," Haidri said.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said in a separate statement that it had been "in constant contact" with the authorities to ensure that "all available resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity." The club added: "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."
Broad Peak is the world's 12th highest mountain and is considered one of the more challenging peaks for expeditions. Purja joined the British Army in 2003 and became a Royal Marine in 2009. His climbing career began in 2012 when he walked to Everest base camp and, rather than turning back as planned, decided to climb the entire mountain.
The rescue attempt was set to proceed Friday morning, weather permitting.
