Kazuya Hiraide and Kenro Nakajima were the two elite Japanese climbers, who tragically fell from 7,500 meters while attempting to scale K2, the world’s second-highest peak, according to officials.
A helicopter rescue mission located the climbers’ motionless bodies but had to return without retrieving them due to the high altitude, steep slope and extreme weather conditions.
The seasoned mountaineers were climbing the western face of K2, known for its steep and jagged terrain, using a technique that emphasizes speed with minimal fixed ropes.
Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), confirmed the fall in a statement and stated, “They meticulously planned and trained for their K2 expedition, underscoring their dedication to pushing the boundaries of high-altitude mountaineering.”
Deputy Commissioner for Shigar district, Wali Ullah Falahi, explained that the helicopter could not land due to the steep slope and high altitude.
“A helicopter rescue was attempted, however the heli could not land,” said Wali Ullah Falahi, the deputy commissioner for Shigar district, which encompasses the 8,611-metre K2.
“Upon close inspection, the bodies of the two climbers were spotted, and it was determined that there was no movement. The heli then turned back.” Wali Ullah said.
Rescue missions on K2 are notoriously perilous, particularly on the western face, which has only been successfully climbed once by a Russian team in 2007.
Hiraide and Nakajima, both celebrated with multiple Piolets d’Or awards, were noted for their meticulous planning and dedication to high-altitude mountaineering.
The ACP highlighted their commitment to pushing the limits of the sport. This incident follows the tragic deaths of three other Japanese climbers this season on Pakistan’s Spantik mountain.
Earlier in the season, a separate K2 expedition successfully reached the summit, with Pakistani climbers Ali Durrani, Imtiaz Siddiqui, and Ashraf Siddiqui among the team.
Despite this achievement, the mountaineering community is overshadowed by the somber news of the Japanese climbers’ fall.
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