Some sign of movements traced on Sunday night between Camps III-IV

KATHMANDU, APRIL 19

At least three Russian climbers that were descending Mt Annapurna have lost contact with the base camp since Sunday.

According to a source at the base camp, the three climbers -- Sergey Kondrashkin, Alexander Luthokin and Dmitry Sinev -- who attempted to climb the world's tenth highest peak in an alpine style, went out of contact as they were retiring from Camp IV.

Two of them had successfully made the ascent while one, Alexander Luthokin, had given up his attempt from above 7,000m.

The source further revealed that Seven Summit Treks (SST), which provided base camp services to the climbers, has sent a team of rescuers to locate them this morning.

They might have faced trouble in the high camps as some sign of movement was traced last night between camps III and IV.

SST is also preparing to heli-drop help with food and water supplies.

Further details on the climbers' situation would be known once the Sherpas reach high camps.

At least 68 climbers including six Nepali women had scaled the 8091m high peak on Friday.