K2 Against All Odds - Extended Version

Page 15

Ascending through the Bottleneck

Some climbers impatiently unhook themselves from the safety of the fixed rope and try to free climb their way up, with tragic consequences. A climber from the Serbian team − Dren Mandić − slips and falls down the rocky and icy surface of the Bottleneck. The recovery of his body jeopardises the lives of the rescuers and claims the life of Jehan Baig. The delays in fixing ropes and the overall slow pace in progressing up the Bottleneck make a descent in darkness inevitable. Some climbers have realised that such an undertaking pushes risk beyond the manageable. Yet most of them see their goal – summiting K2 – as still within reach.

August 1st after 14:00 Climbing The Traverse All summiting climbers have finally entered the Traverse. Some have been climbing for more than 12 hours. The pace remains painfully slow. Rolf Bae mentions that he is having problems and, further ahead, Karim Meherban is also concerned about the condition of his leader, Hugues d’Aubarède.