KATHMANDU, May 16 (Alliance News): An Indian and a Filipino climber have become the first fatalities of the current March-May climbing season on Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, Nepali hiking officials confirmed on Friday.
Subrata Ghosh, 45, from India, died on Thursday below the Hillary Step while descending from the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) summit. According to Bodhraj Bhandari of Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition, “He refused to descend from below the Hillary Step,” a critical point situated in the notorious “death zone” where oxygen levels are dangerously low.
Efforts are underway to retrieve Ghosh’s body. The cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, Philipp II Santiago, also 45, from the Philippines, died late Wednesday at the South Col during his ascent. “He was exhausted when he reached the fourth high camp and died while resting in his tent,” said Himal Gautam of Nepal’s tourism department.
Both climbers were part of the same international expedition led by Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition.
So far, Nepal has issued 459 permits for Everest climbs this spring, with nearly 100 climbers and their Sherpa guides having successfully reached the summit this week.
Mountaineering is a vital source of income for Nepal, among the world’s poorest nations. Since Everest expeditions began over a century ago, at least 345 climbers have lost their lives, according to the Himalayan Database.
