Nine climbers are reported dead following the massive avalanche that swept through Camp III on Manaslu this past Sunday, according to both the and . A local police chief said eight of the bodies had been taken down off of the mountain and a ninth body remained at Camp III. At least six people are still believed to be missing on the slopes of the world's eighth-highest mountain, according to the and .
Reports said that were stationed at Camp III when the avalanche hit. Debris swept down to Camp II, where teams gathered to help in the rescue and recovery efforts. A total of 231 guides and climbers were on the mountain, but most were in lower camps, according to the . It is not the first tragic accident on Manaslu. An .
A number of companies have posted updates on their blogs, including Alpine Ascents, Epic TV, and Altitude Junkies. Alpine Ascents on their efforts to help in the rescue. Epic TV skier Glen Plake was beat up but coming home, though his two teammates were missing. Phil Crampton of Altitude Junkies to the dead and missing and his team will continue up the mountain:
All of our team members and Sherpas still have a very positive attitude
about the mountain and after a few days rest to recover and reflect, we
will head back up the mountain for our summit push. We are climbers and
this is what we do. We send our condolences and thoughts to the families
and friends of the deceased. I personally knew two of the victims and
they would wish us to continue with our quest to climb Manaslu.
We will provide updates as more
details emerge from Manaslu.
鈥擩oe Spring