You’re on your own

The case of British mountaineer David Sharp shows how ‘every man for himself’ getting up and down Mt Everest can be.

Sharp was solo climbing Everest and had summited. On his way down he ran out of oxygen and was holed up in snowhole.

Almost 40 other climbers, some on their way up saw him but nobody stayed to help him and he eventually died.

I’ve read a couple of books on Everest expeditions that have ended badly and it seems a common thread that if you get into trouble above a certain height, don’t expect any help because people’s sole purpose is looking after number one and making sure they get their summit.

I’m sure Sharp was aware of this but it still seems a little harsh just to walk on by when someone’s really struggling in front of you.

Tags: Mount Everest