URGENT UPDATE: An Australian mountaineer, Chin Tark Chan, tragically died just 300 metres from the summit of Himlung Himal, one of Nepal’s highest peaks, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. This heartbreaking incident occurred after Mr. Chan fell ill during his ascent, raising alarming concerns about climber safety in the treacherous Himalayan region.
Mr. Chan was attempting to reach the summit of the 7126m peak, located approximately 150km northwest of Kathmandu, when he began to experience severe symptoms at an altitude of 6800m on Monday morning local time. Official sources report that he suffered from snow blindness and mobility loss, alarming his expedition team from 8K Expeditions.
Despite immediate attempts to rescue him, conditions quickly deteriorated. A helicopter was requested from Global Rescue for a longline evacuation, but it was deemed unsafe due to the altitude limits for such missions. Just two hours after his initial symptoms were reported, sherpas noted that Mr. Chan was nearly unconscious.
Another helicopter operator attempted a hover rescue four hours later, but poor weather forced them to abandon the mission. Sherpas worked tirelessly to transport Mr. Chan to a lower camp by Monday evening, where he was found to have frostbite on his fingers and toes. Unfortunately, heavy snowfall hindered both descent and helicopter evacuation, forcing the group to wait for improved conditions.
On Wednesday, Nepali authorities grounded all helicopter flights due to an unrelated crash, complicating rescue efforts further. While sherpas attempted to carry Mr. Chan down the mountain, he succumbed to his illness partway through the descent, just below Camp Three at approximately 6500m.
A spokesperson from Global Rescue confirmed the tragic news: “Before a safe weather window presented, the client died below camp three.” Lakpa Sherpa, managing director of 8K Expeditions, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “We lost a good friend and a mountaineer.” Mr. Chan, a seasoned climber, had previously attempted the Himlung Himal last year.
Currently, Mr. Chan’s body remains on the mountain due to persistent bad weather, although recovery efforts are anticipated to resume once conditions improve. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Mr. Chan’s family, extending their condolences during this difficult time.
The climbing community mourns the loss of a dedicated adventurer, highlighting the inherent risks associated with high-altitude climbs in the Himalayas. As rescue efforts remain on hold, the focus now shifts to ensuring safety for the remaining climbers on the mountain.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we continue to monitor the situation closely.
