A team of experienced Nepali climbers has successfully recovered the body of Czech alpinist David Roubinek from Mt Makalu II, also known as Kangchung Tse, following a challenging high-altitude rescue operation in eastern Nepal.
According to Pemba Jangbu Sherpa, the rescue team brought the body from an altitude of 7,300 metres down to the high camp at around 6,100 metres on Saturday morning. Roubinek, 38, had been attempting to climb the mountain in alpine style as part of a seven-member expedition led by Lukas Madr and managed locally by I AM Treks and Expedition.
Climbers Carry Out Difficult Recovery Operation
Expedition organizers said the recovery mission was carried out despite difficult weather conditions in the high Himalayan region. Mingma Sherpa coordinated the operation with support from a team of highly skilled rescuers from the Makalu region of Sankhuwasabha district.
The rescue team included Lakpa Temba Sherpa, Lok Bahadur Chamlagain, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, Dawa Sange Tamang, and Ridar Lama Bhote. Organizers described the mission as highly demanding due to the altitude, steep terrain, and unstable weather conditions around the mountain.
Climber Fell Ill During Descent
According to expedition officials, Roubinek reportedly fell ill at an altitude of around 7,400 metres while descending the mountain on May 4. Fellow climbers attempted to assist him during the descent, but he died at approximately 7,300 metres. Following a request from the expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks mobilized the rescue team to conduct the body recovery mission.
Officials said they are now awaiting favourable weather conditions to airlift the body from the high camp area. Mt Makalu, standing at 8,485 metres, is the world’s fifth-highest mountain and is widely regarded as one of the most technically difficult peaks in the Himalayas because of its steep ridges, exposed terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
