- “If we had started 30 minutes earlier, we would both be safe and sound,” said Marina Krauss of Germany, broken at the death of her climbing partner, Laura Dahlmeier, on Laila Peak.
Krauss gave a press conference in Skardu, Pakistan, yesterday, surrounded by Thomas Huber, who led the international rescue team, and others. In addition to Huber and Tad McCrea who had been attempting Latok III, the rescuers included Jackson Marvell and Alan Rousseau of the U.S. The Americans stopped their expedition on Masherbrum to help. Krauss, in tears, spoke in German while Huber translated for her. She gave details of the accident to avoid rumors and speculation.
Laura Dahlmeier on the Eiger North Face earlier this year. Photo: Laura Dahlmeier/Instagram
What happened?
The climbers had retreated short of the summit due to the dangerous conditions.
“It was safety concerns that made us turn around,” Krauss explained. “As we climbed higher, the snow was softer and softer, and we eventually turned back.”
They rappelled down using abalakov anchors on the ice.
“During the third rappel, the rockfall started suddenly,” said Krauss.
She rappelled first, and Dahlmeier followed. Dahlmeier was rappelling when a huge rock hit her and smashed her against the wall. She never moved again.
At the time, Krauss was off the rope and couldn’t reach Dahlmeier. She called out but received no answer. In shock, Krauss realized that the only way Laura could survive was — maybe — a prompt aerial rescue.
At this point, Huber interrupted the translation to explain that in Europe, helicopter rescues via long-line operations are usually very fast. Unfortunately, such an immediate response is not possible in the remote mountains of Pakistan.
Thomas Huber added that they will not attempt to retrieve her remains. “Such operation would be risky for the rescuers, and we all knew Laura would never, ever want that.”
“She was a mountain girl and now rests in a beautiful mountain.”
Check a video of the press conference on Yousuf Ali’s X account.
During the press conference. Left to right, Jackson Marvell, Thomas Huber, and Marina Krauss. Photo: K2 Times
