Search for Missing Japanese Climber Called Off on Pakistan's Spantik Peak

Rescuers have ended the search for missing Japanese mountaineer Atsushi Taguchi, last seen on June 13 while scaling Spantik Peak in Pakistan. Fellow climber Ryuseki Hiraoka’s body was found on June 15. Officials and Alpine Club representatives cited the bleak chances of survival in such extreme conditions.

Rescue teams have discontinued their efforts to locate Japanese mountaineer Atsushi Taguchi, who disappeared a week ago while attempting to ascend Spantik Peak in northern Pakistan, officials confirmed Thursday. Authorities acknowledged that the likelihood of survival for the 36-year-old is extremely slim.

Taguchi's climbing partner, Ryuseki Hiraoka, was found dead on June 15, two days after both went missing on June 13 during their expedition on the 7,027-meter (23,054-foot) mountain, also known as Golden Peak, noted for its striking golden hue at sunrise and sunset.

Nazar Hussain, a local official, stated that the search concluded on Wednesday without any indicators of Taguchi's whereabouts. Karrar Haidri, secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed the termination of the search and highlighted the typically dire survival odds in such scenarios. He added, however, that families often hold out hope for miracles. Each year, several climbers perish in Pakistan's northern mountains, which includes the formidable K2.

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