An Australian mountaineer has died after collapsing during his descent of Himlung Himal in Nepal. Chin-Tark Chan, 49, fell ill during his ascent of the 7,126-metre peak in the Annapurna range, according to expedition organiser 8K Expeditions.
Guides helped him begin his descent, but he collapsed at about 6,100 metres and could not be revived. Nepal's Department of Tourism said efforts to retrieve his body were being hindered by heavy snow and poor weather.
8K Expeditions Managing Director Lakpa Sherpa said the climber's family and the Australian embassy in Kathmandu had been informed. The body was expected to be flown to the capital by Sunday before being handed over to relatives.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance and extended condolences to Mr Chan's family. Consular support typically includes liaison with local and Australian authorities to help with funeral arrangements or repatriation of remains.
According to evacuation company Global Rescue, Mr Chan was reported disoriented and unable to see, describing his surroundings as 'colourless and indistinguishable' — symptoms consistent with snow blindness. His guide later reported that Mr Chan was vomiting blood and bleeding from the nose.
Global Rescue advised against a longline helicopter rescue due to safety concerns and worsening weather, but the expedition operator independently launched a helicopter, which failed due to poor weather. Mr Chan died on October 29 below Camp 3, at about 6,500 metres. Lakpa Sherpa alleged negligence by Global Rescue, which called the allegations baseless.
