The Everest Obsession

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Is an obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there?

Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993, explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993. In this series, she explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

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The Everest Obsession: 3. A daring mountain rescue

3. A daring mountain rescue

BBC Radio 4 - The Everest Obsession, 3. A daring mountain rescue

A high-altitude helicopter rescue begins, after an avalanche above Everest Base Camp.

A high-altitude helicopter rescue begins, after an avalanche above Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Sherpas were carrying loads through the ice fall when the disaster struck.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. 
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit in 1993. 
We hear about a high altitude rescue and how climbing the mountain has become commercialised, including Sir Chris Bonington’s early experiences on Everest. 

Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE
Producer: Laura Jones 
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Sound design: Craig Boardman 
Editor: Clare Fordham 
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover 
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams 
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

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The Everest Obsession

3. A daring mountain rescue

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