Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has failed in his attempt to summit Everest.
Everest: defeated Fiennes for second time
The 64-year-old was forced to turn back due to exhaustion while making the final assault on the peak. He had previously suffered a heart attack during an Everest attempt in 2005.
He arrived back at the South Col at 12.45am local time and is now heading back to base camp, where he is expected later this afternoon.
The expedition, led by Kenton Cool, was to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The summit party set off from camp three at 7am yesterday, reaching camp four just after lunch. After resting, they set off for their summit attempt at 8.30pm.
There’s a blog and video of the expedition on the Everest Challenge website.
Guest
24 May 2008Apart from putting other people at risk the decision to try for Everest is irresponsible. With such medical problems it seems ironic that a world renowned figure should endanger others. Also the cost of rescue and possible injury to others must cost money. Does this man have a death wish.
Guest
24 May 2008If the review is not to your liking is it obliterated?
JW
25 May 2008To follow your logic through.... we should all stay in bed if we aren't feeling 100%. Disabled or the ill shouldn't venture onto the street as they might need help - which costs. Maybe I shouldn't take the bus to work as my presence might endanger the driver- what if I fart and it distracts him and the bus crashes into a load of school children and their parents commit suicide with depression. What a load of cods wallop Oh by the way didn't Ran make a judgment call and turn back?
Guest
28 May 2008I know it takes a lot of stamina to pull your way up the fixed ropes to the top but this isn't climbing and it's not heroism. This is celeb showbiz, plodding. Why not motorise the fixed ropes?
JB
23 March 2009Error in the article - Ran didn't have a heart attack on his first attempt, just a suspected case of Angina. Subsequent ECGs showed no evidence of a heart attack.