The expedition on Broad Peak was reportedly being led by Nirmal Purja and included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China and the US. The group is feared missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak. Photograph: Nirmal Purja/PA
The world-renowned climber Nirmal Purja – a former British Special Forces member – is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan, one of the world’s highest mountains.
Purja, who is Nepalese born and also known as Nims Dai, made history in 2019, climbing all of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000 metres in just over six months.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan received “deeply concerning” reports on Thursday that an avalanche had struck the team led by Purja, aged 43. There has been no communication from the climbers since, the club vice-president, Karrar Haidri, said in a statement.
The expedition includes five Nepalese climbers, and a US, Pakistani, Omani and Chinese national. Another foreign climber is also part of the group, Haidri said.
The alpine club has been in contact with government officials to facilitate a search and rescue operation, including helicopters if weather permits.
“The club prays for the safety and successful rescue of all the climbers and stands in solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community during this difficult time,” it said in a statement.
The 8,047-metre (26,401-foot) Broad Peak in the Karakoram range is the world’s 12th highest mountain.
Purja’s profile was boosted after he starred in a 2021 Netflix documentary chronicling his attempt to climb the world’s 14 highest mountains in less than a year. The previous record was seven years.
Purja opted to use supplementary oxygen for his ascents, justifying his choice by the huge size of the challenge he had set himself.
He joined the British army in 2003 and became a Royal Marine in 2009.
With Associated Press
