KATHMANDU, MAY 12
A woman climber from France died and British climbers is being rescued from above the Camp IV on Mt Kanchenjunga, according to expedition organisers.
Yogendra Tamang of Peak 15 Adventure confirmed that Margareta Morin from France breathed her last at 7,800 m while attempting to climb Mt Kanchenjunga on May 10.
"The 63-year-old female climber was taken ill while attempting to climb the world's third highest peak on May 10," Tamang quoted mountain guide Tendi Sherpa as saying from Camp III. Margareta, who attempted her first 8000er without prior experience, couldn't be rescued due to unfavorable weather conditions, Tamang said.
"Her family was informed about the incident," Tamang said, adding that discussions with insurance company were underway to bring her body down from the high camp.
Meanwhile, Sherpa climbers have been rescuing a British national who was taken ill above camp IV while returning from the summit point of Mt Kanchenjunga.
"Adrian Michael Hayes, who suffered from severe altitude sickness is being rescued," Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, said. Adrian is now at Camp IV as rescuers brought him down last night, he added. "Once weather allows, we will evacuate him from the lower camps," he added.
(Story is slightly revised as Tamang's earlier claim about informing the French Embassy in Kathmandu regarding the Kanchenjunga incident was incorrect. We regret the error. - Ed)
