Two mountainClimbers fell during ascent of K2
Two experienced mountain climbers from Japan attempted to climb K2 via the West Wall - a route first achieved in 2007. During their attempt, an accident occurred: The men fell from a gigantic height. The rescue efforts for the emergency services proved difficult.
In Pakistan, two Japanese top mountain climbers have fallen during the ascent of K2. "A rescue attempt was made with a helicopter, but it could not land," said Vice-Commissioner of the Shigar District, Wali Ullah Falahi. The two men were spotted, but they had not moved. So far, they have not been declared dead.
The experienced mountain climbers Kazuya Hiraide and Kenro Nakajima had attempted an ascent over the fractured West Wall of the second largest mountain in the world, which is 8611 meters high. They relied on a climbing style that prioritizes speed and uses few fixed ropes. On Saturday, they fell from a height of 7500 meters, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).
The height and steep incline forced the rescue helicopter to abandon its landing, according to Japanese sports equipment manufacturer Ishii Sports, which sponsors the mountain climbers. "The pilot said he could see the two men, but their status was unclear," it continued. "We are currently investigating how we can rescue them." Rescue attempts on the Southeast Ridge, over which most climbers ascend to the K2 summit, are extremely risky. The West Wall is steeper; it has only been successfully conquered by a Russian team in 2007.
According to ACP, Hiraide and Nakajima had carefully planned and trained for their expedition. Both were multiple award-winning athletes, it was stated. In this summer season, three other Japanese mountain climbers have died in Pakistan - all on the 7027-meter-high mountain Spantik, which, like K2, is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Pakistan is home to five of the 14 mountains worldwide that are over 8000 meters high. K2 is considered more difficult to climb than Mount Everest.
Despite the efforts of the rescue helicopter, it was unable to land due to the extreme height and incline, as reported by Ishii Sports. The International Mountain Federation (IMF) has expressedly offered assistance in the rescue operation, recognizing the danger and complexity of the situation.
