David Roubinek, 38, a member of the Czech-Slovak team attempting both Makalu and Makalu II, has died of altitude sickness.
Roubinek of the Czech Republic fell sick shortly after reaching Camp 3 (7,400m) on Makalu II. Three other climbers were with him on a summit push, while the rest of the team, including leader Lukas Madr, had retreated to Advanced Base Camp.
The Czech-Slovak team with friends and the outfitter in Kathmandu some weeks ago. Photo: Expeditionclub.cz
In Camp 3, Roubinek showed symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, prompting his partners to abort the ascent and help him back down. However, Roubiek died some 200m lower down, before being able to reach Camp 2, officials told The Tourism Times.
The seven-member Czech-Slovak team was aiming for both Makalu I and II. They reached Base Camp about two weeks ago after acclimatizing on Mera Peak. They climbed with no Sherpa support above Base Camp.
Sherpas had previously fixed the route to the main summit of Makalu, and several groups of climbers topped out this past weekend. It is not known whether the Czech-Slovak team fixed ropes on Makalu II, though.
Makalu II (7,678m), also known as Kangchungtse, rises on the opposite side of Makalu from the Makalu La col.
The main summit of Makalu is on the right, with lower Makalu II at the far left. Photo: Expeditionclub.cz
Efforts are underway to recover his body, said the expedition organizer, Pemba Jangbu Sherpa, managing director at IAM Treks and Expeditions.
