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Prayer flags above Dingboche. Lhotse and Island Peak in the background.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Robert's Text Messages from IceFall Event

Robert is at Everest Base Camp.  He sent several text messages which I am now forwarding to you. 3:58 A.M. Saturday CST (Saturday afternoon in Nepal)

Robert:  I can't efficiently get an email out so I'll text.  The confirmed fatality count is 17 Sherpa and many more injured.  The injuries range from cuts and bruises to broken limbs and internal injuries.  There is a glacier hanging above the icefall on the west shoulder of Everest and part of it broke off about 6:45 A.M. Friday.

We were on the trail that winds through camp (it's about 3/4 mile from one end to the other).  I heard the glacier ice break loose and watched it fall into the icefall. Immediately knew we had a big problem.  We saw people coming down and they looked quite shocked.  At the same time rescuers headed up, including Phil and six of our Sherpa.  Unfortunately very little could be done as the victims were all buried deeply.

Helicopters arrived after about two hours and took the injured down to base camp in several trips.  They began carrying the dead using a long line.  Base camp became a very somber place.  Rumors were flying around and no one know for certain what was true or not.  Our team joined the Sherpa in their tent after dinner to show our support and respect.  We were there for several hours.

Things seem a bit more normal today. Although many of the other team's Sherpa have gone home for a few days, our guys are staying here.  Phil says the place is safer now that the weak portion has fallen and I think he is right.  We will likely only have one rotation (into the ice fall) instead of the two that were originally scheduled which will  further lower our risk.

It is difficult to type a coherent longer message on this cheap phone plus my fingers are freezing so please resend the texts and copy them into the blog.

Patty: No worries.  I will do that.  Glad the icefall is now more stable.  I have been replying to many texts and emails from people sending encouragement and prayers.  Please pass along our condolences and tell everyone that there is a large group of folks praying for all of you.

Robert:  Thank you.  it was a terrible day but things will get better, and already are except for the very cold afternoon.


9 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update. It is a terrible thing that has happened. So glad Robert is safe. Everyone from ProActive is sending positive energy his way. Regards,
    Penny

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  2. Robert, come up to my camp (end of glacier, below Lingtren), we have WIFI...
    Yeti

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  3. So sorry to hear about the tragedy, but glad that you are safe. I've been following your progress and hoping for a successful summit. John Golob

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  4. Hi Robert and Patricia. This is Brian Mattix with FOX 42 in Omaha. We'd be interested in talking to either of you about what's going on. Our number in the newsroom is 402-554-4282. Also, if Robert gets access to wi-fi, would he be able to Skype an interview with one of our reporters today? Also, our email is news42@kptm.com - Thanks and good luck!

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  5. Robert, regards to Ricardo. We are thinking of all you guys and the sad loss. Let's hope sense prevails and those who gave their lives are honored with achievements so their lives were not in vain

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    1. I passed your greetings on to Ricardo. He says to thank you.

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  6. Robert and Patricia. If you have any time tonight, I'd very interested in talking to either of you about the situation on Everest. I can be reached at (402) 560-0005. My email is kevin_abourezk@yahoo.com. Thank you and the best of luck!

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  7. Glad to hear everything is ok with you and all the teams at EBC! Very sad for everyone. I wish you and the team all the best which ever desision is made! Say hi to Margret/ Edita/ Phil and the others from me.

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    1. Thanks Ed. I passed your greetings along for you.

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