The family of veteran Nepali climber Dawa Sherpa has called for an investigation into the rescue efforts on Mount Everest after he remarkably survived six days alone in one of the world’s harshest environments. The 57 year old mountaineer, who had been missing since May 30, was found alive and crawling toward Everest Base Camp, shocking both rescuers and relatives who had already begun mourning his presumed death.
Dawa Sherpa, widely known as “Hillary” Sherpa in tribute to legendary climber Edmund Hillary, disappeared in extreme weather conditions high on Everest. With no contact for nearly a week, his family feared the worst and even started traditional funeral rituals. However, hope was restored when members of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) discovered him alive and immediately arranged his evacuation to Kathmandu.
Doctors treating Dawa Sherpa confirmed that he is currently in stable condition despite suffering from frostbite, dehydration, and a fractured thigh bone. Medical experts described his survival as extraordinary, considering the freezing temperatures and limited access to food and water during his ordeal. He remains under close observation in the intensive care unit and is expected to stay there for several more days.
While the family expressed immense relief and gratitude that he survived, they also voiced frustration over what they believe was a delayed rescue response. His wife, Damu Sherpa, questioned why search operations were not launched sooner and urged authorities to review the actions taken by the expedition company involved.
Relatives and fellow climbers have also raised concerns about whether the response would have been faster if the missing person had been a foreign climber. They argue that local Sherpas, despite being the backbone of Everest expeditions, do not always receive the same level of attention and urgency during emergencies.
This season has been the busiest on record for Everest, with more than 1,000 climbers reaching the summit. However, the mountain also witnessed several fatalities, highlighting the continued dangers faced by climbers and guides on the world’s highest peak.
