Expedition organizers say 2 climbers have died on Mount Everest
KATHMANDU, Nepal — A tragic incident occurred on Mount Everest as an Indian climber, Subrata Ghosh, and a Filipino climber, Philipp Santiago, lost their lives during separate attempts to reach the summit. With hundreds of climbers embarking on the challenge to conquer the world’s highest peak, the dangers of Everest were once again highlighted.
Subrata Ghosh’s life was cut short just below the 8,849-meter summit as he was descending from the top on Thursday. Meanwhile, Philipp Santiago, aged 45, tragically passed away on Wednesday while on his way to the summit. Despite reaching Camp 4, the highest camp on the mountain, he was unable to fulfill his dream of standing atop Everest.
The bodies of the deceased climbers remain on the mountain, posing a challenging dilemma for expedition organizers like Bodha Raj Bhandari of Snowy Horizon Trek and Expedition. The logistical and financial burden of retrieving the bodies from the treacherous slopes of Everest adds another layer of complexity to this tragic situation.
The spring climbing season, which commenced in March and concludes at the end of May, provides a narrow window of opportunity for climbers to attempt the ascent. May is considered the optimal month for scaling Everest, offering favorable weather conditions for those daring enough to take on the challenge.
Everest’s storied history, dating back to the first successful summit in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, serves as a reminder of the mountain’s unforgiving nature. With over 300 fatalities recorded on Everest since then, it stands as a testament to the risks involved in pursuing the ultimate mountaineering feat.
