(8:15 AM - Nepal Time) While in Pokhara, some two days hike from Annapurna’s base camp, Don has learned from various sources of the serious situation that has occurred near the summit of Annapurna 1.

“Iñaki and Horia aborted their summit push up Annapurna's south face 100m shy of the top. While climbing they endured severe cold and found the traverse between the east and main summit to be more dangerous and exposed than they had expected. During 16 hours of non-stop climbing Inaki suffered minor frost bite on one or both of his hands. Inaki and Horia eventually decided to abort their summit bid due to concerns about this condition possibly worsening. Another factor was the lack of sufficient rope needed to fix some difficult sections that lay ahead of them. Horia and Inaki retreated down to around 7400m where Inaki’s condition suddenly deteriorated. Violent bursts of vomiting and coughing apparently left him almost unconscious. The Russian Alexei Bolotov had during their descent had proceeded further up attempting to summit. No details about his progress have been reported. The climbers have apparently run out of batteries on their sat-phones. An international response to Inaki’s situation is currently underway.”

Don has expressed his grave concern for the well being of Inaki, Horia and Alex. He is praying for the three climbers and their families. Don e-mailed: “I am in Pokhara now but I can climb back up to base camp and be there the day after tomorrow. I don't have much information on Inaki’s current condition. It is important for us to talk with his family members or his support team and inquire if they need me to help…I am willing to climb back as fast as I can if this is necessary. I can be at Camp 1 in 2 days, maybe higher...”

Please pray with Don for Inaki, Horia and Alex as well as for their families. Pray to for those coordinating and involved in a rescue operation should that be needed.