Two Icelanders climbed Mount Everest despite a coronavirus infection. Mountaineers Sigurdur Sveinsson and Heimir Hallgrímsson reported on Thursday on the website of the Icelandic aid organization Umhyggja for which they are collecting donations. “Since we felt good, we saw no reason to change our plans.” In addition, there was no possibility up there to be tested.
Felt worse and worse
On Monday, the two men reached the summit of the highest mountain in the world at 8,849 meters. On the way back, however, both felt worse and worse. “During the descent we both began to suffer from increasing tiredness, coughing and malaise,” they reported. They would have suspected the infection: “We had to get off as soon as possible.” Without extra oxygen, Sveinsson would probably not have survived the ordeal.
Despite the difficulties and bad weather, they finally reached base camp on Wednesday, where they tested positive for the virus. They had “had a good time on the mountain and despite the illness reached the highest peak in the world”.
Infection base base camp
In the past few weeks, more than 30 climbers had to be brought out of the base camp due to illness. Although other cases of infection are known on Mount Everest in addition to the two Icelanders, the Nepalese authorities deny that there were Covid-19 cases on the mountain. In the meantime, it has also been suggested that the Swiss Abdul Waheed Waraich († 41), who collapsed and died on the mountain, may also have been infected with the corona virus. In this year’s short weather window, which allows ascents on Everest, numerous infections have already occurred in Base Camp. (AFP / kes)
Published: May 28, 2021, 11:36 pm
Last updated: May 28, 2021, 11:45 PM