Everest 2013: Can I be Rescued on Everest?
A common question for Everest climbers is if they can be rescued. Yes helicopters are available but with huge risks. I look at the options as we prepare for Everest 2013. In this world of instant communication, even from the summit of Everest, search some people believe rescues are easy and available on the high […]
Helicopter Crash on Ama Dablam – Huge Loss
A helicopter owned by Fishtail Air has crashed on Ama Dablam while rescuing two Japanese climbers above 16, salve 000′ according to multiple Asian news reports. It was on the north side of Ama Dablam, there not the normal Southwest route taken by the vast majority of all teams. This is a huge loss on […]
Helicopter Rescues in Everest’s Western Cwm?
With several teams targeting Sunday, May 16th as a summit window, the question of rescues often comes to mind; especially if the weather looks marginal as this one does. Followers of Everest know that rescues are difficult and sometimes impossible above base camp or 17,500′. In his book, Into Thin Air, Jon Krakurer details the daring rescue of climbers at the top of the Icefall at 19,800′. Now a new service from Fishtail Air is underway that designers are confident can rescue climbers deep in the Western Cwm, well above 19,500′. While an experiment this season, it has already proven to save lives on other high peaks.