A British mountaineering guide has been rescued from near the summit of Mount Everest after surviving for six days in extreme conditions, prompting praise for the rescue teams from the Foreign Office. The climber, identified as James Miller, 34, from Keswick, was found at 8,000 metres on the mountain's north face by a Sherpa-led team on Wednesday. The operation, one of the most challenging in recent years, has been hailed as a testament to mountaineering cooperation and the bravery of local guides.
Miller, an experienced guide working for a British expedition company, had been stranded after a fall in the so-called death zone, where oxygen levels are dangerously low. Rescuers from the Nepalese and Chinese sides coordinated efforts, with a Chinese helicopter making a record-altitude landing to extract the climber.
Foreign Office Minister David Lammy said: 'The courage and professionalism of the rescue teams are remarkable. We are grateful to the Nepalese and Chinese authorities for their efforts.' The British embassy in Kathmandu confirmed Miller is receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition.
The incident will likely reignite debate about commercial expeditions and safety standards on Everest. This season has seen a record number of permits issued by Nepal, raising concerns about overcrowding. However, the successful rescue has focused attention on the skill of Sherpas and international cooperation in the region.
