French Climber Dies, British Mountaineer Rescued on Mt Kanchenjunga

A French woman has died and a British climber is being rescued after facing life-threatening conditions while attempting to summit Mt Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.

According to expedition organizers, Margareta Morin, a 63-year-old French climber, lost her life at an altitude of 7,800 meters on May 10. She had fallen seriously ill during her ascent and could not be rescued due to bad weather conditions.

Morin was reportedly attempting her first 8,000-meter peak without previous high-altitude climbing experience. Tendi Sherpa, who was part of the guiding team, informed expedition organizer Yogendra Tamang of Peak 15 Adventure about the incident from Camp III.

Her family and the French Embassy in Kathmandu have been informed. Efforts are underway, in coordination with her insurance provider, to retrieve her body from the high camp.

Meanwhile, British climber Adrian Michael Hayes is being rescued after suffering from severe altitude sickness above Camp IV. According to Chhang Dawa Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, Hayes had reached the summit but fell ill during the descent. He was assisted down to Camp IV on Friday night and remains there as poor weather continues to delay further evacuation.

Hayes was among a group of 10 climbers who successfully reached the summit of Mt Kanchenjunga on May 10.

These incidents highlight the dangers associated with extreme altitude climbing, especially for those with limited experience or in difficult weather conditions.