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Re: Everest Traffic Jam Version Of Mass Swim Start [nealhe]
nealhe wrote:
Hello B. McMaster and All,

And the beat goes on .....

https://www.nytimes.com/...ath-traffic-jam.html




I watched a UK documentary a couple of months back, with Anthony Middleton (ex-SAS or SBS (he was previously in the Marines - the UK's 'commandos')) climbing Everest (2017 or 18 when filmed).
Whilst he was clearly experienced, capable and fit enough, the film showed some right liabilities dangling on ropes - totally out of their depths even at 20k ft, never mind 28k.
Middleton was last to leave the summit on his ascent. It could hqve killed him as a storm came in, and he was stuck going nowhere for 3 hrs waiting in a queue to get onto a rope down the Hillary Step, freezing at 28k ft.
The sherpas were debating cutting a rope as 1 person was on it for SOOOOOOO long not going up, not going down. Just dangling. Jeopardising a dozen or more still above.
Middleton did finally get down, with some frostbite.
But at least 1 person that day (not in his group) died because of the 'fest.

Shocking really how incompetent people can buy their way onto the mountain these days. 30 or 40 years ago you needed to be a real climber to be there. But commerial outfits hauling unsuitable people up ropes for large sums of money now rule the roost.
Last edited by: BobAjobb: May 25, 19 23:29

Edit Log:

  • Post edited by BobAjobb (Dawson Saddle) on May 25, 19 23:29