Broad Peak Avalanche: Search Resumes for Six Missing Climbers
Rescue efforts continue on Pakistan's Broad Peak after Thursday's avalanche, with three bodies recovered and others located.
Sarah Connor
Rescuers backed by military helicopters resumed the search Saturday for at least six members of a 10-member expedition swept away by an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak.
Elite Exped confirmed the tragic loss of Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, stating, "Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak."
The company also received confirmation that "other members of this expedition sadly did not survive," identifying Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa among the deceased.
Elite Exped mourned, "Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa."
Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit.
Bear Grylls paid tribute to Purja, stating, "Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit."
The expedition, led by Purja, included five Nepalese climbers, Omani and American climbers, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, and a Chinese climber identified only as Wang.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of another foreign climber on the expedition.
Officials recovered three of four bodies located so far; the remains of Omani climber Nathira Ahmed flew to the capital, Islamabad.
The three recovered mountaineers' remains went to a hospital for identification formalities, with the bodies of American climber Mallory Geis and Nepalese climber Bahadur Gurung remaining at a hospital in Skardu.
Karrar Haidri stated the team lost contact with their base camp Thursday after an avalanche struck Broad Peak during their summit attempt.
The team last contacted their tour operator at 9 am local time on Thursday, with no contact occurring since.
Experienced Pakistani climbers and army helicopters participate in the search-and-rescue operation, which Haidri confirmed suspended Friday night due to weather conditions.
Irfan Arshad stated, "We hope to continue our operations, both aerial search and the ground rescue, till the time we find the survivors or the dead bodies."
Drone footage on Friday showed signs of several more bodies in the search area, a detail officials confirmed.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated four bodies had been located on the mountain.
Mao Ning stated Chinese authorities urgently verified the situation and gathered information, expressing willingness to offer help based on Pakistan's requirements.
Moving Mountains, a travel company based in Pakistan, announced late last month the expedition team was en route to Askole, wishing them a safe journey climbing Broad Peak.
Nirmal Purja gained renown for climbing all 14 mountains over 8,000 meters in 189 days in 2019, a feat documented in the Netflix film '14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible'.
He received an MBE in 2018, having served 16 years in the British military, including 10 in special forces.
Purja previously appeared with Spencer Matthews in the 2023 documentary Finding Michael, and Prince William issued a statement on X regarding his death.
William stated, "I was truly saddened to hear of the tragic death of Nirmal Purja and those who lost their lives in the avalanche on Broad Peak."
He added, "Nims served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, putting Nepalese climbers on the map."
The mountains inspire us with their beauty but they also demand immense respect. Every person who ventures into that world understands the risks, yet they go anyway, driven by curiosity, purpose, passion and a deep love for the places few will ever experience.
Spencer Matthews reflected on mountaineering's inherent dangers, stating, "The mountains inspire us with their beauty but they also demand immense respect."
Matthews added, "Every person who ventures into that world understands the risks, yet they go anyway, driven by curiosity, purpose, passion and a deep love for the places few will ever experience."
He concluded, "The news from Broad Peak is heartbreaking. So many lives, families, friends and teammates now facing unimaginable loss."
Historically, the world's highest peaks have drawn climbers into perilous landscapes; Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain at 8,051 meters, has claimed numerous lives over decades.
This incident adds to a grim tally; the 2019 climbing season alone saw 11 deaths on Mount Everest.
Stakeholders across the globe, from the families of the lost to the climbing industry itself, now grapple with profound economic and emotional pressures, as the public watches rescue efforts unfold.
The landscape of extreme mountaineering faces renewed calls for enhanced safety measures and more rigorous expedition planning; the future of commercial climbing on 8,000-meter peaks will likely see industry shifts.
Elite Exped concluded their statement, offering, "Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones."
The company added, "No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve."