Bodies of 5 Climbers Spotted Near Nanda Devi
Become a member to unlock this story and receive other great perks.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
All Access
45% Cyber Week Sale
only $4.54/month*
- A $500 value with 25+ benefits including:
- Access to all member-only content on all 17 publications in the Outside network like Rock and Ice, Climbing, Outside, Backpacker, Trail Runner and more
- Annual subscription to Climbing magazine.
- Annual gear guides for climbing, camping, skiing, cycling, and more
- Gaia GPS Premium with hundreds of maps and global trail recommendations, a $39.99 value
- Today’s Plan training platform with customized training plans
- Premium access to Outside TV and 1,000+ hours of exclusive shows
- Annual subscription to Outside magazine
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Indian authorities are reporting that five bodies have been spotted on the unclimbed peak near Nanda Devi that the British mountain guide Martin Moran was attempting last week with seven other climbers.
While it was originally thought that Moran and his clients were attempting Nanda Devi East, the team was actually trying to make the first ascent of an unclimbed 6,477-meter peak in the immediate vicinity. The team of eight failed to return from their objective last week, at which point a search and rescue operation was set in motion.
For More on This Story, Read 8 Climbers Missing on Nanda Devi
Four climbers from the guided expedition who had chosen to return to base camp have assisted in the efforts. According to The Times of India, one of these climbers, Mark Thomas, participated in an aerial helicopter search. In photos taken during the flight of an avalanche swept area, Thomas identified various gear and the bodies of five individuals.
Also Read Andy Harvard, Veteran of Nanda Devi and Everest Expeditions, Dies at 69
In addition to Moran, the names of the eight missing climbers, presumed to have been killed in a massive avalanche, are Anthony Sudekum and Ronald Beimel, of the U.S.; John McLaren, Richard Payne and Rupert Whewell, of the U.K.; Ruth McCance, of Australia; and Chetan Pandey, of India.
For more background, see 8 Climbers Missing on Nanda Devi.
