Hopes fade as search continues for Limerick climber

"It's turning from celebration of success to nightmare"

Search and rescue operations are continuing today high upon ‘the world’s most dangerous mountain’ for any sign of missing county Limerick climber Gerard McDonnell.

Mr. Mc Donnell was with a group of around sixteen other climbers when they became trapped after an ice fall upon their decent from the K2 Mountain in the Himalayas; just hours after he had become the first Irish man to reach the summit of the deadly peak on Friday night.

Prayers were being said at the 37 year olds home parish of Kilcornan at Sunday mass this morning.

There was some hope late last night as word emerged that another climber from the group had made his way down to a campsite at a safe altitude. At least 3 climbers from the Dutch expedition along with Mr. McDonnell, remain missing on the mountain.

The AFP news agency reported this morning that at least 7 climbers have been killed in the catastrophe.

The Local parish priest in Kilcornan, Fr. Willie Russell, says the whole community is hoping and praying for some good news.

Official site of the expidition
K2climb.net is following the developments.
Everestnews.com is following developments.
Gerards personal dispatches.