Climbing
A mountaineer has died after his climbing team was caught in bad weather on the southern Russian peak of Mount Elbrus. Father-of-three Alan Mahon, 40, from Ireland, died on Sunday during an expedition to Europe’s highest mountain.
He was with a five-man Irish group attempting the north route of the peak when tragedy struck. His fellow climbers are safe and well but have said they are “heartbroken at the loss of our friend”.
The four men said that while camping at 17,400-feet, close to the 18,510-foot summit of Mount Elbrus, the weather deteriorated rapidly, and they were forced to take refuge in a nearby emergency hut for two nights, reports the Independent.
“On Sunday we made a collective decision to descend when a small weather window provided sufficient visibility to do so safely. The team appeared strong and in good spirits during the descent,” they said. “Unfortunately Alan’s condition started to deteriorate during that descent,” they said.
A mountain rescue team met the group and gave medical assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it “is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance”.
