Mont Blanc

Regional and travel guide to Mont Blanc, France.

Mont Blanc Du Tacul 24/08/08 Avalanche

Written by Bear59 on

It seems to be one of those years where the bad news just keeps coming. This morning brought news that eight climbers are missing onMont Blanc Du Tacul. It is thought that at around 0315 hrs this morning local time, a large chunk of glacier ice rolled down the mountain's slopes causing an avalanche that was approximately 200 metres long and 50 metres wide. The Mayor of Chamonix, Eric Fournier, stated that:

“It’s probable ... that groups of climbers roped together were on the path up the mountain as well as in the place where the block of ice tumbled down,”

Eight climbers - three Italian and five French - have so far been rescued. Of the missing climbers, five are Austrian and two are Swiss. The nationalityof the remaining climber is so far unknown. The latest reports suggest that the local authorities believe it unlikely, given the time they have been missing, that the missing climbers will be found alive. Searches have now been called off because of the danger fresh avalanche. One of the climbers who survived the tragedy, Marco Delfini, reported that he had been carried 200 metres by the avalanche but was luckily only partially submerged when it stopped. He was able to free himself very quickly before moving to help other climbers.

This season in the Alps has been one of the deadliest for years with one source reporting that more than 100 climbers have been killed in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland since June 1st. A vivid reminder, as if one were needed, that the sport we choose to pursue can be a very dangerous irrespective of the care that we take.

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