Makalu Attempt. A group of nine Belgians led by Wounter Panis attempted to climb the normal northwest route on Makalu (8463 meters, 27,786 feet). They had five camps above Base Camp, including two Camps IV, one at 25,425 feet and the other, after the first was destroyed in a storm, at 26,400 feet. Willem Verhaeghe and two Sherpas reached 25,425 feet on May 16. They called off the expedition because of deep snow and wind as time and energy were running out.

Michael J. Cheney, Himalayan Club, and Elizabeth Hawley