Another update on the Makalu Italian team today from MountEverest.net. The last update said that the team was preparing to flee the mountain following a harrowing night in Base Camp that saw hurricane force winds sweep two tents and all of their contents from the mountain.
Today we get word that the team, consisting of Nives Meroi, Romano Benet and Luca Vuerich have been airlifted from Makalu after Nives broke her leg on the trek down to lower camp. The original plan was for the trio to wait until Thursday when porters would arrive to shuttle out their gear, but an a rescue mission was mounted when word got out that Nives suffered the injury.
As of this writing, all three climbers are safe and sound back in Kathmandu. They were plucked from the mountain this morning, despite incredible, and persistent, winds by a helicopter. While the boys are fine, Nives has been admitted to a hospital where she'll spend a few days receiving treatment for her injuries.
And so, Makalu will remain unclimbed for another Winter. The last of the Himalayan peaks that can make that claim. I guess we'll have to wait to see if anyone comes back next year to challenge this mountain during the cold season.
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