The Discovery Everest 2003 Expedition said on Tuesday that one of its members, film maker Sean Wisedale, had stayed behind at base camp to make another attempt at the summit.
The expedition’s publicity team said the rest of the climbers had left from there and were in Kathmandu, waiting to return home. They added that Wisedale hoped to reach the top on May 29, the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent of the 8 850-metre peak.
”The team last week decided that because of their exhaustion after two summit attempts and predicted poor weather conditions, it would be judicious to abandon their hopes of summiting. It has since been reported that another weather window appears to be opening this week.
The other team members expect to be back in South Africa by early next week,” the publicity team said in a statement received in Johannesburg.
”Discovery supports Wisedale as an individual effort to try for the summit again. While packing up the camp, he realised that he was physically recovered and that he had another unexpected chance of fulfilling his dream. His recovery rate was exceptional, and we are prepared to back this level of determination. We are also proud to note Sibusiso Vilane’s achievement. His successful summit is a credit to all South Africans,” said Suzanne Stevens, marketing manager for Discovery Health.
Expedition leader Alex Harris said he wished Sean luck, a safe climb and, ”the good weather we had all longed and waited for.”
Wisedale will receive communications and logistical support from international teams Alpine Ascents International and International Mountaineering Guides on the mountain, and is climbing with two very experienced Sherpas.
He said that the experience of the previous two summit attempts will help him to know when to turn back if necessary.
”I’m feeling very strong and I am grateful for the support I have had from the Discovery team. I will do everything I can, within strict safety parameters, to get the South African and Discovery flags to the summit. Let’ s hope this time the weather
behaves itself and the mountain allows me up,” said Wisedale. – Sapa