Pakistan update: Bodies five more international climbers, including world-renowned British
Bodies of five more international climbers, including world-renowned British-Nepali Nirmal Purja, have been airlifted to Skardu after they were killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The av
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The bodies of five more international climbers, including British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, have been airlifted to Skardu after an avalanche on Broad Peak, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, as recovery efforts on the mountain continued on Thursday.
The Broad Peak avalanche struck on July 30 and cut off contact with a 10-member international expedition led by Purja, who was 43. His company has confirmed that there were no survivors.
In a statement, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said the five bodies transported by helicopter to Skardu CMH Hospital were those of Nirmal Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Killi Pemba Kilu Sherpa. The club said that after the required procedures and documentation, the bodies would be moved to Islamabad and prepared for repatriation to their home countries under special arrangements.
ACP Secretary General Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that seven bodies have been recovered and flown to Skardu so far. He said the search operation has entered its eighth day, with Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi and American climber Sarah Mallory Geis still missing.
Shigri added that remains believed to belong to Geis were airlifted on Saturday along with the bodies of two other climbers, but her body has not yet been found. Naila Kiani of the ACP told Dawn that the body of Nawang Thindu Sherpa was seen, but could not be recovered because of the dangerous high-altitude location and avalanche risk.
A Pakistan Army helicopter brought the five bodies to Skardu on Thursday. They were received by ACP officials, Baltistan Commissioner Kamal Khan, army officers, civil administration officials and representatives from the tourism department.
Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, has been the scene of a difficult recovery mission as teams work in harsh weather and unstable terrain. The operation remains focused on locating the missing climbers and completing the recovery of the remaining bodies where conditions allow.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the recovered climbers are being prepared for onward transfer and eventual repatriation. For families and expedition organisers, the latest recovery marks another step in a prolonged and technically demanding operation on a mountain known for extreme conditions.
FAQ
What happened on Broad Peak?
An avalanche on July 30 disrupted a 10-member international expedition on Broad Peak, leading to multiple deaths.
How many bodies have been recovered?
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, seven bodies have been recovered and airlifted to Skardu so far.
Who is still missing?
Pakistan mountaineer Sohail Sakhi and American climber Sarah Mallory Geis remain missing.
What happens next to the recovered bodies?
The bodies are being moved from Skardu to Islamabad after formal procedures, with repatriation arrangements to follow.
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