Eight die climbing Russian volcano, severe winds delay rescue mission

A growing number of climbers in Russia have reportedly died, after getting into trouble while trying to summit a famous volcano.

A group of eight climbers have now been confirmed dead after attempting to climb the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano in Russia’s far east, according to local officials.

Initially six people had been reported killed, and six more were believed to be stranded from the party of 12, which included two guides.

Stream your news live & on demand with Flash. From CNN International, Al Jazeera, Sky News, BBC World, CNBC & more. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Aerial view of Mt. Klyuchevskoi (or Klyuchevskaya Sopka). The volcanoes are part of the natural Volcanoes of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to Interfax, who quoted Roman Vasilevsky, Kamchatka territory’s deputy prime minister, the volcano tour’s guide was communicating via a satellite phone and explained that a group had fallen to their death during the climb from almost 4200 metres.

It is understood rescuers attempted to reach the stranded and wounded on Sunday, but freezing winds halted a rescue attempt and a helicopter from landing.

The eruption of Klyuchevskaya Sopka as captured by Vladimir Voychuk, the 2017 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year. Picture: Vladimir Voychuk.

“They were scheduled to land at an altitude of 3,300 metres, but due to gale force winds at 30 metres per second, they failed to do so, although two attempts were made a few hours apart,” rescuers said, as reported by Reuters.

The mountain the group climbed is Eurasia’s highest active volcano, and temperatures on the mountain can reach as low as minus 14C overnight.

The Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano is the tallest of over 160 volcanoes. This volcano forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for its exceptional natural beauty, according to Reuters.