Broad Peak Rescue Operation Retrieves Seven Corpses, Search Continues

Islamabad, August 6 – After a lethal avalanche on Broad Peak’s steep slopes, a coordinated rescue mission managed to air‑lift seven bodies to medical care in Skardu. The victims include renowned climber Nirmal Purja and four accompanying Sherpas: Wang Zong, Neema Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Killi Pemba “Kilu” Sherpa.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan reported that the operation, described as the most challenging recovery effort on the mountain, took place on July 30 when the ice slide hit the expedition at 6,600 metres between Camp‑2 and Camp‑3. Following the recovery, the bodies will be moved to Islamabad for documentation and eventual repatriation.

Two climbers, Pakistani Sohail Sakhri and American Sara Mallory Gies, remain missing, and the search entered its eighth day. Navang Thindu Sherpa’s remains were observed but could not be retrieved due to the high‑altitude terrain.

In the aftermath, the Nimsdai Foundation launched a global fundraising initiative, the Broad Peak Guides Family Support Fund, to aid the families of the deceased mountain guides.