Two Japanese climbers are reported missing while attempting to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain in northern Pakistan. This incident marks the fourth disappearance on the mountain in less than two months. The climbers fell from a height of 7,500 meters (24,605 feet) while trying to ascend K2, which is famously known as the “killer mountain.” Pakistan army helicopters initiated a search and rescue operation, but were unable to retrieve the climbers as they did not move from their position. A ground search is scheduled to begin on Sunday for the missing Japanese climbers.
Karrar Haidri, the secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, expressed awareness of the situation involving the two missing Japanese climbers on K2, stating that they remain hopeful for a positive outcome. This unfortunate incident follows the recent discovery of the body of Hiroshi Onishi, 64, who tragically fell into a crevasse on the 7,027-meter (23,054-foot) Spantik Peak, also known as Golden Peak. Onishi is the third Japanese climber to have lost their life on Golden Peak in less than two months.
Northern Pakistan attracts hundreds of climbers annually, with popular destinations including K2 and Nanga Parbat. Despite the allure of these challenging peaks, each year sees several fatalities among climbers.