Tragedy has struck again in our ever-shrinking circle of mountain adventurers. Reports have been trickling across the world about a massive avalanche that hit Camp 3 on Nepal's Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world.
As is always the case with these events, it's difficult to piece together what's actually happened. But Revelstoke-based Ski Mountaineer Greg Hill was on separate expedition on the same peak and had this to say via facebook:
"A huge avalanche swept through camp 3 at 4:45am on Manaslu, catching lots of people in their sleeping bags, many dead, and injured. Luckily our team is fine, and helped with the rescue, Glenn Plake is also fine but my heart goes out to all the others..."
Indeed, legendary extreme skier Glenn Plake was involved in the incident and was struck by the gigantic slide, which was triggered by a 600-700 metre wide serac that fell from above, while he was in his tent. He was carried over 300 metres before he came to a stop and assisted Greg Hill and others with the rescue/recovery.
Rescuers scour the massive debris field on Mount Manaslu. Photo: Garret Madison, Alpine Ascents International
Bad weather has since moved in and hampered further efforts by rescue teams.
We at biglines wish the teams the best of luck and are bowing our heads for the loss of these kindred mountain spirits.
R.I.P.
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2012/09/23/nr-cook-manaslu-avalanche.cnn
