World | Pakistan
Helicopters ready for new rescue attempt on K-2
Army helicopters in Pakistan will attempt to rescue an Italian climber stranded on K-2, following a deadly avalanche that killed 11 others.
- Agencies
- Published: 13:11 August 5, 2008
- Image Credit: EPA
- K-2 is widely regarded as one of the most difficult mountains to climb.
Islamabad: Army helicopters in Pakistan will attempt to rescue an Italian climber stranded on K-2, following a deadly avalanche that killed 11 others.
Heavy mist enveloping K-2 made it difficult for helicopters to reach the camp on Tuesday and pilots were waiting for the thick clouds to clear before heading for the rescue.
The Italian climber, Marco Confortola, is believed to be the last survivor of the tragedy.
A rescue team helped bring Confortola down to Advance Base Camp located at an altitude of 6,000 metres late on Monday night.
Having spent four nights at high altitude, after being stranded following Friday's avalanche, Confortola is suffering from severe frostbite but is rehydrating and getting oxygen at the camp.
Eleven others were killed in the worst climbing accident at K-2 since 1995. Two Dutchmen were rescued on Monday and were being treated at a hospital in the Pakistani town of Skardu.
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