Alvaro (left) and Oscar (right) next to their cook with Latok I in the background, which they tried before Latok II. Photo courtesy of Efe
On August 6th, Spanish climber Oscar Perez suffered a broken leg and wrist after a fall at 6,200 meters while attempting to climb a new route, in alpine style, on Latok II (7,125 meters) in Pakistan's rugged and remote Karakoram Range. His partner Álvaro Novellón was able to retreat after the accident.
Below is the official statement by Stu Remensnyder and Dave Hancock
August 16, 2009 — It is with tremendous sadness that we share with you that the rescue attempt being made for Oscar Perez on Latok II has been called off. This decision was made in common agreement by the team at BC, the coordinators in Skardu and the club Pena Guara.
The length of time Oscar has been trapped high on the mountain (10 days), the difficulty of the route, bad weather making conditions on the route worse, and danger to the rescuers all converge to made it clear that the only choice was to end the operation
The team at Latok II basecamp must now walk out as the weather has turned too poor for helicopters to fly. Their walk will be a somber one but we hope they know how much their efforts have meant and that they arrive in Skardu to an appreciative welcome and a well needed time of rest.
So many people have been working hard for many days both on the scene, in the country and around the globe. These efforts are testament to care and concern Oscar engendered and we know that everything that could be done was tried on his behalf.
Our thoughts are with Oscar’s family at this time and extend our deepest condolences to them.
When our team is out we will let you know and have more information as it becomes available.
