3. A daring mountain rescue
A high-altitude helicopter rescue begins, after an avalanche above Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Sherpas were carrying loads through the ice fall when the disaster struck.
Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas.
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit in 1993.
We hear about a high altitude rescue and how climbing the mountain has become commercialised, including Sir Chris Bonington’s early experiences on Everest.
This was first broadcast in April 2024.
Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE
Producer: Laura Jones
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Sound design: Craig Boardman
Editor: Clare Fordham
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke
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- Wed 10 Apr 202413:45BBC Radio 4
- Wed 12 Nov 202511:45BBC Radio 4
- Thu 13 Nov 202500:30BBC Radio 4
