Retreival of K2 bodies imposible says Pakistani official
The retrieval of the remains of 11 climbers now believed to have died over the weekend on K2 would be impossible, Pakistani Tourism secretary Shehzad Qaiser has told the country’s Daily Times newspaper.
The secretary was speaking after authorities confirmed the number of people who lost their lives, Amongst them was Limerickman Gerard McDonnell.
“Eleven climbers, including three Koreans, two Pakistanis, two Nepalese, a Frenchman, a Norwegian, a Serb, and an Irishman have died,” he said.
Two Dutch climbers, Wilco van Rooijen and Cas van de Gevel, were rescued by Pakistani Military helicopter earlier today and received treatment for frostbite.
Meanwhile, the President, Mary McAlease, was amongst those who paid tribute to Mr McDonnell following the news of his death.
“Following so closely on their righteous pride, and that of the country, at Gerard becoming the first Irish person to scale K2, it is truly heartbreaking that they must now contemplate the loss of a beloved son and brother,” she said.