AFP and other news agencies reported on the 16th (local time) that one of the two Japanese climbers who recently went missing during a climb in northern Pakistan was found dead.
A local official said the day before that Hiraoka Ryuseki and Taguchi Atsushi, who disappeared while climbing Spantik (7027m) in the Karakoram mountain range, were among the missing, and Hiraoka was found dead.
Panoramic view of Hunza Village, Pakistan. The photo is unrelated to the article. [Photo by YouTube screen capture]
Hiraoka's body was discovered and recovered by the search team about 300 meters below Camp 3, which is located at approximately 6200 meters above sea level.
The local official added that the search team, using Pakistani military helicopters, is continuing to look for Atsushi, who has not yet been found.
The two had originally arrived at the base camp on the 3rd and started climbing without the help of porters. They reached Camp 2 on the 10th and then went missing. On the 11th, seven Japanese climbers who arrived at Camp 2 the next day, unable to meet the two who were supposed to join them, requested assistance from rescue authorities.
In response, the search team, deploying military helicopters, began operations and found traces of the two on the 13th, but had to suspend the search due to bad weather conditions.
Spantik, also known as the "Golden Peak," is relatively accessible and famous worldwide for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, attracting many climbers.
Pakistan is home to five of the world's 14 peaks over 8000 meters, including K2, the second highest mountain in the world. According to EFE news agency, several climbers have lost their lives in recent years attempting to summit high peaks in Pakistan.
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