Why bodies of mountaineers who die on Mt Everest are left there
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| Cheruiyot Kirui found dead on Mt Everest |
Known as "death zone" Mount Everest is situated above 8,000 metres (26,247 feet).
It is located in Nepal and Tibet, Asia, it is one of the deadliest mountains in the world.
The mountain holds final resting memories for climbers who do not make it home.
A publication by the Ultimate Kilimanjaro said the mountaineers are faced with extreme cold, dangerously low oxygen levels, and inhospitable conditions.
According to the Ultimate Kilimanjaro, the high-altitude environment and extreme conditions on Everest pose significant obstacles to recovery operations.
According to them, it is highly inefficient, impractical, and dangerous to move frozen bodies, which can weigh over 300 pounds (136 kg).
Helicopters are an exception to aid the recovery process because the highest elevation that helicopters can reliably land is Camp 2, located at 21,000 feet (6,400 meters).
This is due to air density on the upper slopes that cannot allow helicopters to operate.
In Mt Everest, above a certain altitude, there are not enough air molecules for the rotors to create enough lift.
The highest helicopter rescue ever on Everest was at 25,590 feet (7,800 meters) in 2013, done in calm weather conditions.
These conditions coupled with the high cost of body recovery make it impossible for most families to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
The costs associated with body recovery missions on Everest can be prohibitive, requiring substantial resources and expertise.
While some bodies have been identified and relocated for various reasons, the majority of fallen climbers remain on the mountain where they died, the Ultimate Kilimanjaro said.
The area of the mountain’s northeastern ridge route below Everest has been named the Rainbow Valley.
It is associated with the colourful down jackets of fallen climbers strewn across its landscape.
The Ultimate Kilimanjaro cited that some 300 people have died climbing Mount Everest and that there are approximately 200 dead bodies still on the mountain.
The recent death is that of Kenyan banker Cheruiyot Kirui.
A statement by his family says they are saddened by what happened to their kin as they gave an update of what they know.
The family said Cheruiyot lost radio communication with the base camp in the early morning of May 22, 2024, on his summit push.
"He was reported missing by his expedition company and immediately a team of rescue sherpas stationed at camp 4 were dispatched to the point of last contact."
The statement went on to reveal that Cheruiyot's body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800m, 48 meters from the summit.
"Whereas it is not possible to determine the exact sequence of events, we know that Cheruiyot and his sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, took a fall. "
"We extend our condolences to his friends, colleagues and the wider outdoor community. Search for Nawang Sherpa continues and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family in Nepal and pray that he is found."
The family promised to share more information in due course.
"Thank you and God bless you. Cheruiyot's Family."
BY PERPETUA ETYANG
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