Rescuers have successfully recovered the bodies of an American climber and her guide on the slopes of Shishapangma in China’s Tibet region, after they were missing for more than seven months while trying to summit the world’s 14th highest mountain.
Around October 7, 2023, American climber Anna Gutu and guide Mingmar Sherpa, 27, were buried in an avalanche during a history-making race: Ms. Gutu had Hoping to become the first American woman to climb Mount 14, a mountain over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level. Shishapangma is 8,027 meters (26,335 feet) above sea level.
The climber’s body was recovered last week and flown to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, on Saturday, according to expedition company Elite Exped.
A nine-member mountaineering team led by Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, brought back the body during a rescue mission that lasted three days and nights. Three of the rescuers involved in the mission fell ill; two had to be on oxygen when they reached the start of the glacier. One of them is sent on another mission to Mount Everest.
Nimsday wrote on
nimsday, he has Climbed 45 peaks above 8,000 meters —More than anyone in history— Said the recovery mission was one of the most challenging he has ever undertaken.
Another American woman, Gina Marie Rzucidlo, and her guide Tenjen Lama climbed Mount Shishapangma at the same time as Ms. Gutu and Mr. Sherpa, trying to surpass Ms. Gutu to break this record. Ms. Rzucidlo and Mr. Lama fought to reach the summit ahead of their competitors, only to be caught in another avalanche and buried. Both men died.
Mr. Rama, a famous mountain guide who teamed up with Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, once set a world record by climbing the 14 highest mountains in 92 days faster than anyone else.
Another adventure company, Seven Summit Treks, arranged for Mr Lama to work with Ms Rzucidlo.
Efforts to repatriate the remains of Rudzuljilo and the lama were delayed this spring when China refused to allow rescue workers access to Tibet. Two bodies remain on the mountain. Ms. Harila, Mr. Lama’s former climbing partner, was involved in efforts to bring his body back to Nepal.
