In a remarkable story of survival, Hillary Dawa Sherpa, a 52-year-old Sherpa climbing guide, was found alive after being missing for a week on Mount Everest. He was discovered crawling back to Base Camp, having survived without food or bottled oxygen in perilous conditions.

Miraculous Rescue

Hillary Dawa was last seen on May 29 above Camp 3, at an altitude of 23,163 feet. He became separated from his client and climbing team, who had already descended the mountain. With no radio contact for six days, his family had begun funeral rites, believing him to be lost. However, a cleaning crew from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) spotted him near the Khumbu Icefall, exhausted and frostbitten but alive.

Upon his rescue, he was provided with food and water and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. His survival has been described as nothing short of a miracle by many in the mountaineering community.

Questions Raised

Hillary Dawa’s self-rescue raises questions about the lack of a search effort when he was reported missing. Search helicopters had found no sign of him earlier in the week. His ordeal has highlighted concerns about the safety of Nepali workers on Everest, especially with the rise of commercial guiding operations that may not prioritize safety adequately.

British climber Chris Thrall, who was with Hillary Dawa before he went missing, expressed relief and happiness for his survival. Thrall recounted their challenging descent and the decision to assist another climber in distress, which led to their separation.

This incident underscores the risks faced by those working on Everest and the need for experienced operators to ensure the safety of climbers and guides alike.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.