A missing Sherpa climber has been found alive on Mount Everest in what officials are describing as a remarkable self-rescue after spending a night at extreme altitude. The incident occurred during a British-led expedition aiming to summit the world’s highest peak.
The Sherpa, identified as Pemba Dorjee, 32, became separated from his team on Tuesday afternoon amid deteriorating weather conditions near the South Col at approximately 7,900 metres. His radio communication failed, and a search was suspended after nightfall due to the severe risk to rescue teams.
At first light on Wednesday, a helicopter crew conducting a reconnaissance flight spotted a lone figure descending slowly from the area where Dorjee was last seen. The climber was freezing but conscious and able to signal for assistance. He was airlifted to Base Camp for medical treatment.
Expedition leader Simon Harris, a former British Army officer, told reporters that the survival was a testament to Dorjee’s skill and mental fortitude. “To survive a night at that altitude without shelter is extraordinary. This is a miracle of human endurance,” Harris said. The team had maintained radio contact with base camp throughout the night, coordinating a ground search when conditions allowed.
Nepal’s tourism department has launched a routine investigation into the incident, but early reports indicate no regulatory breaches. The British team, which includes climbers from the UK, Canada and Australia, had adhered to all safety protocols, according to officials.
Dorjee is reported to be in stable condition with severe frostbite on his fingers and toes, but able to speak. He described taking shelter behind a rock formation and using a small emergency blanket to survive the -40°C temperature. His rescue has been hailed as “nothing short of a miracle” by the Himalayan Rescue Association.
The event underscores the inherent dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, where even the most experienced guides are vulnerable. The British-led team has suspended its summit attempt to support the recovery effort.
