India mission to recover climbers' bodies halted

123rf

Indian officials have halted attempts to retrieve the bodies of five climbers killed in an avalanche in the Himalayas after encountering technical issues.

According to reports, a helicopter, carrying the rescue team was forced to turn back after three failed attempts to reach the peak.

"No bodies have so far been recovered from the three initial sorties this morning," an official confirmed, adding that no helicopter flights were planned for Wednesday.

Earlier, officials said the operation as "very risky", adding that success would be a "miracle".

Eight climbers - four from Britain, two from the US, and one each from Australia and India - were reported missing last Friday after they failed to return to their base camp near Nanda Devi.

So far, five bodies have been spotted high up on the slope, with authorities predicting that the bodies of the other three to be close by. 

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Reboot

    10:00am - Noon

  • The Best of Dubai Eye 103.8

    Noon - 7:00pm

    Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!