A Singaporean climber has died on Mount Manaslu during the autumn climbing season, while efforts continue to fix ropes and open the summit route for hundreds of foreign climbers.
A Singaporean climber, Lau Wee Seng, aged 50, died near Camp II on Mount Manaslu during an acclimatisation descent, marking the second fatality reported on the mountain this autumn. Lau reportedly experienced discomfort while descending and passed away while resting at around 6,000 meters altitude. Despite assistance from fellow climbers and a doctor, efforts to save him were unsuccessful. The initial assessment suggests a probable heart attack, but the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed. His family has been informed, and arrangements are underway to airlift his body to Kathmandu.
Earlier in the season, a local 20-year-old porter, Tashi Sherpa, was found deceased in a tent at the base camp under investigation, following unsafe use of a generator inside the tent.
Meanwhile, an avalanche occurred above Camp III on Wednesday, disrupting rope-fixing efforts critical for establishing the summit route. Fortunately, all team members escaped unharmed. In response, expedition groups mobilized an additional team of Sherpa climbers, equipped with 1,300 meters of rope, to assist in reopening and securing the route towards Camp IV and the summit. The rope-fixing team had previously secured the path up to Camp III on September 10.
Expedition operators aim to complete route preparations before the forecasted weather deterioration expected after September 25. With approximately 480 foreign climbers holding permits, including 126 women, and more than 500 Nepali guides, the summit push is anticipated within the upcoming week. The Department of Tourism has issued 480 climbing permits for Manaslu this autumn, generating US$1.44 million in royalties.
The climbing season continues as teams perform acclimatisation rotations and transport equipment to higher camps, with more than 200 climbers and support staff having arrived at base camp by early September.
Sources referenced:
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/second-climber-dies-on-manaslu-as-466-foreign-climbers-prepare-for-summit-push
