Everest Sherpa presumed dead found alive after 6 days; family demands probe into rescue delays

A Nepali climber, Dawa Sherpa, 57, has been found alive after surviving six days on Mount Everest, having been abandoned in harsh conditions. His family, initially preparing for his funeral, is now demanding an investigation into rescue efforts, questioning the speed of the response.

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His clinical condition remains stable, and his dehydration is showing significant improvement.

Sherpa vanished on May 30 in the upper reaches of the mountain. He was discovered crawling towards Base Camp on Thursday morning by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a Nepali team responsible for route setting and waste management on Everest. He has since been flown to Kathmandu and is being treated for frostbite on his fingers, a fractured thigh bone, and severe dehydration.

Doctors at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu report that Sherpa's condition is stable, with significant improvement in his dehydration. He is expected to remain in the intensive care unit for further care and observation. His survival is considered remarkable given the extremely challenging conditions he endured without adequate food for six days.

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I do not remember how this week went, we thought he was no more, and had already begun his last rites.

Sherpa's wife, Damu Sherpa, expressed immense joy upon seeing photos of him being transported to the capital, recalling the family's grief and the commencement of his last rites. However, she also voiced anger towards the expedition company, accusing them of delaying search and rescue operations. A relative, Karma Gyalje Sherpa, echoed these sentiments, questioning whether a high-paying foreign climber would have received a swifter response.

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I was so surprised when I saw the photos and recognised him, he was still wearing a cap I knitted for him.

Another Everest guide, Rinji Sherpa, described Dawa Sherpa as a loyal and diligent guide, noting that he has had several previous close calls on the mountain. This season has seen at least five deaths on Everest, including two Indian and three Nepali climbers.

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There should be some investigation against the company, they delayed search and rescue for him.