Asia, Nepal, Annapurna III Tragedy

Publication Year: 1983.

Annapurna III Tragedy. A Japanese expedition of eleven was led by Tsukasa Nakase. They attempted the north face of Annapurna III (7555 meters, 24,787 feet), hoping to repeat the Indian route of 1961. On April 24 Masayoshi Okabe was killed by an avalanche at 22,000 feet while carrying a load to Camp V; two other members and a Sherpa were buried. Camp V at 22,650 feet was entirely swept away. All climbing ceased. They were well aware of the avalanche danger, but they said there was no route which would not take them under the fatal séracs.

Michael J. Cheney, Himalayan Club, and Elizabeth Hawley