An avalanche struck Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world, around noon local time on July 30. A group of 10 climbers, including former British special forces soldier Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, has been missing since the avalanche hit. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the group has been out of contact for several hours.
Expedition Group
Purja, a record-breaking mountaineer and former British Marine, was leading the expedition for his company, Elite Exped. The group included five Nepalese climbers, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nadhira, American mountaineer Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified as Mr Wang, and one climber of unknown nationality.
Search and Rescue
Alpine Club of Pakistan president Major General Irfan Arshad said its leaders were in close contact with government officials to assist with the ongoing search and rescue operation. Arshad added that the club was making every effort to send helicopters and other available relief resources to the area as soon as possible. Rescue efforts are not expected to reach the mountain until Friday morning local time.
According to Outside Magazine, tracking data of the expedition shows a rapid descent that would align with that of an avalanche.
Background on Nims Purja
Purja served for 16 years in the British military, including 10 years with UK Special Forces after becoming the first Gurkha to pass the elite SBS selection process. He later achieved global recognition by climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in a record six months and six days, a feat documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. In 2018, he was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his exceptional military service in high-risk environments.
According to the Everest Chronicle, the avalanche came days after Purja completed his 57th successful ascent of an 8,000-metre peak. He completed an oxygenless ascent of Gasherbrum II on July 21. He was also nearing completion of his Hat Trick Campaign to climb all 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks three times over. His career has also been marked by controversy, including allegations of sexual assault during expeditions, as reported by The New York Times.
Broad Peak
Broad Peak stands at an elevation of 8,051 metres (26,414 feet) above sea level and is considered one of the most difficult peaks tackled by climbers. It is the 12th highest mountain in the world.
