Three Estonians lost and one severely injured, in Peru. A most tragic incident in the history of Estonian mountaineering. The last time Estonia had three alpinists perish was in Pamir Mountains, back in 1974.
Editorial: mountains know no mercy
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The tragic accident serves as reminder of smallness of man next to nature. Even the most experienced to brave the peaks are never really out of harm’s way. All it takes is a miscalculation, some steps taken amiss, the snow suddenly drifting, and the whole group may be in deepest of trouble.
The site near Huaraz, Peru was on a difficult track but not the severest. Based in initial information, the Estonians involved were well prepared. And yet, while far away across the ocean, the snowy pit took them into its deadly embrace.
The part played by bad luck and errors by the people needs thorough investigation, for sure. Alas, to bring the people back this is of no help. And yet, finding out the facts would help others learn a thing or two, perhaps.
Mountain climbing in places distant and unknown is nothing like playing golf or guitar. Whoever ventures to do it is aware of the risk of never coming back. To compensate, there’s the adrenaline, the breathtaking views, and the experiences undreamed of while in the valley below.
Even so, none will take a trip to perish. The death met while engaged in a dear hobby, for loved ones is no consolation.
As evidenced by recent earthquake in Nepal, claiming the life of an Estonian, it takes no fragile snow bridge to lose one’s life. Alas, our everyday traffic is no safe zone for anyone.
There is this urge in human hearts to have adventures... Mountaineering, taking a flimsy boat to stormy seas, the various ways of descent from skyscrapers – we do understand. While warnings have their place, there’s no stopping people from setting their own level of risk.