Tragic Incident on Mount Dhaulagiri: Five Russian Climbers Die
A tragic accident occurred on October 6, 2024, when five Russian climbers lost their lives while attempting to summit Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal. The climbers, identified as Alexander Dusheiko, Oleg Kruglov, Vladimir Chistikov, Mikhail Nosenko, and Dmitry Shpilevoy, were reported missing after they failed to return from their ascent. Rescuers later discovered their bodies at an altitude of 7,100 meters, with indications that they had fallen from a higher point due to a rope break.
The search operation, led by Mingma Sherpa from Heli Everest, faced challenges due to the rugged terrain, making it impossible for helicopters to land. Instead, rescuers planned to use a winch to recover the bodies from the treacherous area. This incident has raised concerns about the risks associated with climbing in extreme conditions, particularly at night when visibility and weather conditions deteriorate.
Survivor's Account and the Risks of Climbing
Valery Shamalo, the only survivor of the expedition, had opted to stay behind due to poor health and concerns about the extreme descent. He expressed regret over his decision, reflecting on the group's late start and the dangers they faced. According to Shamalo, the climbers had initially planned to summit during the day but found themselves descending in the dark, which significantly increased the risk of accidents.
The climbers had been in communication with the base camp until around 11:00 AM on October 6, but after that, contact was lost. The group had documented their expedition on social media, with the last entry made on October 5. Shamalo described the conditions on the mountain as perilous, noting that the weather can change rapidly, making nighttime climbs particularly dangerous.
The Challenge of Mount Dhaulagiri
Mount Dhaulagiri, standing at 8,167 meters, is known as one of the most challenging peaks to climb in Nepal. It is part of a massif that includes several other high peaks, all exceeding 7,500 meters. The mountain's notorious reputation for difficulty and danger has been underscored by this recent tragedy.
The mountaineering community has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased climbers, highlighting the inherent risks involved in high-altitude climbing. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that climbers face in pursuit of their goals, particularly in extreme environments like the Himalayas.
