1-fingered climber fails Everest bid
Print Edition
A ONE-FINGERED Japanese climber who was attempting the first summit of Mount Everest since this year’s deadly earthquake said yesterday he had turned back before reaching the summit.
This is the fifth season Nobukazu Kuriki, who lost nine fingers on the mountain in 2012, has tried to scale the world’s highest peak and he is the only climber making the dangerous attempt this year.
Climbers have abandoned Everest after a quake-triggered avalanche killed 18 people at the mountain’s base camp in April, and regular aftershocks since have increased the chance of avalanches.
“Did my best, but figured will not be able to return alive if I go further due to strong wind and heavy snow,” the 33-year-old wrote on his Twitter account.
Kuriki said continuing his attempt to scale the 8,848-meter colossus in those conditions would leave him dangerously exposed, with not enough time to return safely to camp.
His overnight ascent had taken him well into the “death zone” — the height above 8,000 meters notorious for its difficult terrain and thin air.
“Decided to climb down at around 8,150 meters... I truly appreciate everyone’s support,” he added.
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