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K2 – Base Camp – sad news

Written By: sean on June 25, 2009 6 Comments

NB. update 13 May 2010…for any K2 or Karakoram climbers in the 2010 season I have three new cylinders of Poisk oxygen in Skardu that are for sale email Sean on venture@hot.co.za 

Recording from Sean on 23 June 09.

We arrived at Base Camp yesterday.  Our camp is situated high up on the glacier, 45 minutes away from the foot of the Cesen route.  To the north and towering directly over us is omnipotent K2.  To the south is Broad Peak.  The Godwin-Austen Glacier runs between two massive mountains and is strewn with ice debris from the avalanches that have blasted down from the precariously suspended seracs above.  This morning, we hauled our first loads of high altitude climbing gear to the base of K2 – tents, rope, ice-axes, pitongs and other protection.  3 hours later we were back in the camp, load deposited and ready for tomorrow.

There are 4 expeditions here – total of 18 climbers – Japanese, German, Swedish/Italian and us.  The Swedish/Italian pair had already pushed up to Camp 2 yesterday.  Camp 2 is vertically above the base of the route situated at about 6700m. Swedish extreme skier Fredrik Ericsson and Italian Michele Fait were attempting to be the first to ski down K2.  This morning, the weather was perfect – which was of no benefit to Fait. On the descent, the worst scenario possible happened – Fiat plummeted.  Ericsson was skiing lower down the slopes and after he had seen Fiat fall, began to haul upwards to get to him.  At Base Camp we watched, unsure if the fall had been fatal or not. We started to construct a make-do stretcher and prepare to assist with the rescue effort.  Our leader Fabrizio headed out back up the middle of the glacier and we watched as Ericsson and Fabrizio reached Fait’s limp body 20 minutes later and began to lower him down to the base of the route.  The slopes are avalanche prone and as the pair descended, Fabrizio then approached them from below.  There is no way to safely recover Fait’s body today…he is secured on the slope.  Fabrizio and Ericsson descended to base camp and we will attempt to recover his body tomorrow at first light.

In our camp, the mood is obviously very glum.  Truthfully, it would be wise to return home. But K2 has a powerful presence and attraction; and we intend to continue our attempt to reach the top safely.

It’s snowing right now.  May Michele Fait rest in peace.

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6 Responses to “K2 – Base Camp – sad news”

  1. Arnold says on: 25 June 2009 at 10:54 pm

    Hi
    So sad to hear about Michele. We pray for his family and the safety of all at K2. Know you will succeed!

  2. Nats & Vic says on: 26 June 2009 at 4:45 pm

    Sean, take care up there… I know you won’t take any chances but we still worry!

  3. flash-player says on: 7 July 2009 at 12:25 pm

    Great post!

  4. Cliff Bamber says on: 9 July 2009 at 8:30 pm

    Hi Sean
    Will follow your progress with great interest.
    Take care!

  5. gary green says on: 11 July 2009 at 6:25 pm

    Hey Sean

    Following your progress with much interest from sunny Durban. Take care.

  6. desmond says on: 14 July 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Sean take care of yourself, “GETTING TO THE TOP IS OPTIONAL AND GETTING BACK HOME IS MANDATORY” Desmond Samuel, Durban, 10111 SAP”S

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