Record-breaking Royal Marine among 10 feared missing in Pakistan avalanche

An international team of 10 climbers, led by renowned mountaineer and former British special forces soldier Nirmal "Nims" Purja, is feared missing after an avalanche struck one of the world's highest and most challenging mountains.

The avalanche hit Pakistan's Broad Peak around midday local time yesterday - 8,051 metres (26,414 feet) above sea level in the Karakoram mountain range.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the expedition lost all communication several hours after the incident, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.

Mr Purja is widely recognised as one of the world's leading high-altitude climbers, having also served as a British Marine and special forces soldier.

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He was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for distinguished military service, and in 2019 achieved global recognition by completing "project possible".

It saw the decorated climber summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre plus mountains in just over six months in 2019, smashing the previous record of almost eight years

Mr Purja also holds six Guinness World Records for reaching many of the world's highest peaks at the fastest time.

The missing team includes Mr Purja, five Nepalese climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nadhira, American climber Mallory Geis, and Chinese climber Wang Zhong.

According to reports from Gilgit-Baltistan police, four bodies have been recovered so far from Broad Peak, but their identities are not yet known.

Major General Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said the organisation was working closely with government authorities and emergency agencies to coordinate rescue efforts.

He confirmed that every effort was being made to deploy army helicopters and other available rescue resources as quickly as weather and operational conditions allow.

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In a statement, the Alpine Club described the reports as "deeply concerning", and said it remained in constant contact with all relevant stakeholders while monitoring developments.

The organisation also expressed its support for the families of those missing and the wider international mountaineering community.

Tracking data cited by Outside Magazine reportedly showed a rapid descent by the expedition consistent with an avalanche.

Rescue teams were expected to begin reaching the remote mountain early this morning, although difficult terrain and weather conditions could complicate the operation.

Broad Peak, located near K2 in northern Pakistan, is the world's 12th-highest mountain and is regarded as one of the most challenging 8,000-metre peaks to summit.

Avalanches, extreme weather and high-altitude conditions make rescue missions particularly challenging in the region.

As the search continues, officials have stressed that rescue efforts remain dependent on favourable weather and safe flying conditions, with further updates expected as authorities gather more information from the mountain.

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