Search For Missing Annapurna Climbers Called Off

800px Annapurna I

Explorers Web is reporting that search parties on Annapurna called off their efforts to find three missing Korean climbers on Friday after finding no trace of the men. Park Young Seok, Dong-Min Shin and Gi-Seok Gang all went missing a few weeks back after they made an attempt to summit the 8091 meter (26,545 ft) peak late in the Fall season. The last anyone heard from them was on October 18th, when they radioed their Base Camp to let their support team know that they were turning back after encountering treacherous conditions on the mountain. No trace of them has been found since.

Annapurna has a reputation for being very dangerous. The peak has the highest fatality rate of any of the 8000 meter peaks and it is particularly prone to avalanches on its upper slopes. It is believed that the three Koreans were swept off the mountain by one of those avalanches or that they fell into a crevasse while descending. Search teams spent days looking for any trace of them, going so far as to even descend into several crevasses, but they still found nothing.

My condolences to the friends and families of these three men, who perished while attempting a new route on Annapurna’s South Face. They were strong climbers who died doing something they loved.

Kraig Becker

4 thoughts on “Search For Missing Annapurna Climbers Called Off”

  1. It's such a gloomy end to the glowing career of Mr. Park.
    But respect comes straight from heart for legends like Park, Gang and Shin, who dared to challenge the adversities. May their souls rest in peace.

  2. Hi Adventure Junkie-

    Did you get the guest content offer I emailed you yesterday?

    Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist
    Austin

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