At least four more die on Everest amid overcrowding concerns

[Eugene]

Source: The Guardian

At least four more die on Everest amid overcrowding concerns

Latest deaths, including an Irish climber, come as others report ‘insane’ delays at the peak

Peter Beaumont
Fri 24 May 2019 17.54 BST First published on Fri 24 May 2019 17.39 BST

Four more deaths have been reported on Everest as concerns grow about the risks posed by the severe overcrowding on the world’s highest mountain this year.

Kevin Hynes, 56, from Ireland, died in his tent at 7,000 metres early on Friday, having turned back before reaching the summit. The father of two was part of a group from the UK-based 360 Expeditions.

The climbing company said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have to confirm that one of our Everest team has passed away. Kevin was one of the strongest and most experienced climbers on our team, and had previously summited Everest South and Lhotse.”

Hynes had been accompanied by an experienced Sherpa, who had himself climbed to the summit of Everest South twice, Everest North and Makalu twice, according to 360 Expeditions.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/24/three-more-die-on-everest-amid-concerns-about-overcrowding

[CentralMass]

1. I'm a risk taking sorf of guy but I've always thought that high altitude climbing is sheer stupidity

[madaboutharry]

2. The photograph with the article showing a snake line of climbers is crazy.

it is a scandal that there are no effective controls put on the number of climbers allowed at one time. This seems to be caused by a constellation of issues. The greed of companies bringing climbers up Everest, the decline in skill of the climbers, and people climbing regardless of the dangers caused by the crowds. It seems like the experience would be ruined not to mention a risk to one’s life.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. This, from the article:

Overcrowding and safety have been a growing cause for concern in recent years, not least since the emergence of cut-price Nepali trekking companies that offer Everest packages for half the price of trips organised by foreign companies.

The deaths occurred despite Nepal’s tourism authorities instituting, but not implementing, plans to timetable ascents to avoid congestion.

adds up to 7-8 who died the same week of climbing.

[kat3rinamarquez]

5. it is a scandal that there are no effective controls put on the number of climbers allowed at one...

I watched a documentary about this and even the Sherpas are risking their own lives. They have no choice as this is the only job opportunity available in the area. Apparently, the government says that they are implementing "new rules" about it and that there will be a "new system" to resolve the growing deaths but does not share the specifics of this new system. Seems like they aren't paying much attention due to greed. I feel sorry for all the lives lost on Everest.

[SallyHemmings]

3. I just don't get it.

Maybe they should save the climbers from themselves by closing it. Too much money is at risk for that bit of sanity.

[kat3rinamarquez]

6. I don't too.

IMO, it seems that they (these companies) really don't care about the welfare of these climbers. Countless people have died trying to conquest deadly Everest. The Nepal gov't said that they are implementing a system to address this issue but I guess that isn't happening as more climbers (experienced or not) are flocking to get a taste of the deadly summit and they are still being welcomed. Looking at the article photo, the traverse looks so crowded indeed. Sad.