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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Sebastopol, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 17, 2008 - 10:04am PT
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http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-unterkircher-accident-nanga-parbat
Tough situation there I'm sure. Hope this ends well for all.
"Karl Unterkircher, a member of the Italian team that recently established a new route on Chongra Peak (22,402'), Pakistan (read the July 10, 2008 NewsWire), has suffered an extremely serious fall on Nanga Parbat (26,660'). The team of three climbers, comprised of Unterkircher, Simon Kehrer and Walter Nones, were attempting a new route on the Rakhiot Face of the mountain. Kehrer contacted base camp via satellite phone to inform them that Unterkircher had fallen—an accident that has been confirmed by his manager, Herbert Mussner.
"Walter Nones and Simon Kehrer had to continue their ascent of Nanga Parbat as it was impossible for them to return via the same route," Mussner stated.
It is unclear precisely what Unterkircher's condition is at the present, but the Italian team has not expressed optimism in regards to performing a rescue. More information will be posted on Alpinist.com as it becomes available."
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Oakville, Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Jul 17, 2008 - 10:29am PT
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Wow, that sounds pretty serious. A few years ago Thomas Humar would surely have died trapped on the [I think] Rupal Face in a storm had his country of Slovenia not paid for his helicopter rescue. Even so, it took six days and no small miracle before they were able to extract him.
This poor bugger could be doomed. Prayers for him, his family, his team and rescuers.
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paganmonkeyboy
climber
mars...it's near nevada...
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Jul 17, 2008 - 11:19am PT
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damn...that sucks...
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Mr Knucklehead
Mountain climber
a place where you can still get a cheap haircut
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Jul 17, 2008 - 11:45am PT
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" At 17.15 on the 16.07.2008
The Manager comments: There is no hope.
The tragedy is traumatic yet true, there is no hope. This morning at 6am Herbert Mussner, Karls manager got a phone call from the climbers satallite phone. Usually it is Karl that keeps contact but this time it was Simon who spoke. The line was bad but Simon said that Karl had fallen down a crevice and was covered with snow. After a hellish night of attempting in vain to rescue him, Simon and Walter had to continue the climb leaving Karl behind.
The tragic incident happened at around 6000m and the two remaining climbers have to continue upwards as it would be too dangerous to descend from the route they have climbed. They must reach 7000m to get off the wall and then they will try to descend via the safest and quickest route.
We know no more details about what has happened or what condition, and indeed where, Simon and Walter are. Clearly they are in great danger without their group leader who was the most experienced. The climb ahead is exceptionally difficult and dangerous, in fact nobody has every climbed this route before. Since this morning there has been no further communication with the two and it will take days for them to reach a Base Camp.
Rescue is impossible at 7000m
Because of the thin air at altitude it is impossible for a helicopter to fly at such hight. The wall is also too exposed for a helicopter to get close.
Karl Unterkircher is 38 years old, and leaves behind a wife with three young children. He is from the Val Gardena in South Tirol and was the President of the Aiut Alpin Dolomites (Mountain Rescue). In 2004 Karl climbed both The K2 and Everest and together with the other members of the expedition was honoured by the President of the Italian Republic and the Pope."
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Oakville, Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Jul 17, 2008 - 12:48pm PT
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In spite of the hordes who "climb" Everest [almost] daily with bottled O's and short-ropes from their guides, high altitude alpine-style mountaineering - especially attempted first ascents - remains one of the most dangerous games you can play.
Good luck lads.
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BrentA
Gym climber
Roca Rojo
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Jul 17, 2008 - 12:57pm PT
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Thanks captain obvious
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Jul 17, 2008 - 12:58pm PT
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Grim.
We flew by Nanga Parbat in a Pakistan International Airlines Fokker- we were well beneath the summit. It's a huge and complex mountain, and one that has claimed a lot of lives.
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Majid_S
Mountain climber
Bay Area
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Jul 20, 2008 - 01:23am PT
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I know five people climbing Nanga as of now. One of best friend just left camp III and returned to BC and practically abandoned it.I am worry about the remaining four and I hope they get back safe.
edit; I just got a word that one is missing at 7000 meter. ohh man
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