2 missing after avalanche hits Pakistani Himalayas
June 17, 1997
Web posted at: 12:31 p.m. EDT (1631 GMT)
KARAORAM, Pakistan (CNN) -- Two climbers were missing after an avalanche hit the Broad Peak mountain in the Pakistani Himalayas Monday, stranding a Japanese climbing expedition.
The two missing climbers, including one American who was along on the expedition, were above 7,000 meters (23,100 feet) on the peak next to the infamous K2 mountain, known for its treacherous climbing conditions.
Broad Peak is 8,047 meters (26,555 feet) high, the world's 12th highest mountain.
Japanese climbers Tatsuo Suzuki, Fukuzo Yokotagawa and American Jeffrey Ian Bubb were members of the Shizuoko City Alpine Federation Broad Peak Expedition 1997. Suzuki escaped, but rescuers were still searching for Yokotagawa and Bubb.
Bubb's mother, Susan Bubb, said the climb was the group's first outside Japan, and its first above 7,000 meters. The climb began May 29, and the group planned to return to Japan on July 19.
None of the nine other climbers in the expedition were reported injured.
Related stories:
- Avalanche kills sleeping villagers - Mar. 24, 1996
- News Briefs - Five top Western climbers feared dead on Pakistan's K-2 - August 17, 1995
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- Summit Journal '96: K2's unclimbed North Ridge
- ORO - Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
- Cyberspace Snow and Avalanche Center
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Sound off on our message boards
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.