It seems, that there is no hope anymore for the Greek climber Zaharias (Haris) Kiriakakis (44), who was the first Greek to ascent Makalu on May 26th. Arnold Coster, the expedition leader abandoned the rescue attempts today. The last radio contact was on May 28th. Again, a very sad end of the season! Before Makalu Haris also climbed Cho Oyu in 2007 and Lhotse in 2008.

Our heartfelt condolences go to all, who knew and loved him!

Report

Austrian climber Peter Ressmann tragically died by a fall in the Austrian Alps. In 2006 he summited Broad Peak and in 2009 he was one of three climbers, who skied down Mount Saint Elias, which was documented in an excellent film.

Our condolences go to his family and friends!

Report (in German)

St. Elias film link

On May 26th, Tunç Findik (Turkish), Arnold Coster (Dutch, expedition leader), Guntis Brands (Swiss), Haris Kiriakakis (Greek) and Nepalese Sherpa climbers Dawa, Lhakpa and Kancha summited Makalu by the normal route. So the first ascents from countries Nrs. 38 to 40 (Turkey, Netherlands and Greece) were achieved. 

On descent Haris became exhausted and so far he was not able to come down on his own.  Several attempts to help him failed. Hopefully there is still a chance to save his life!

Reports and continuously updated news you can find here!

Shared Summits reported, that Marty Schmidt summited Makalu on May 24th. He ascended by the normal route. In 2001 he climbed Kangchenjunga and he also climbed Cho Oyu four times (twice within four days in 2001 and also twice within three days in 2004).