Second Malaysian rescued from Alaskan mountain, another perishes

PETALING JAYA: One of the two climbers trapped on an Alaskan mountain since Tuesday (May 28) has been rescued by a helicopter crew early Friday (May 31), says the Alpine Club Malaysia.

Unfortunately, the other climber died in a snow cave while awaiting help, as reported by officials from the US National Park Service.

“At 6am (local time) on Friday (May 31), rescuers managed to evacuate one of the climbers, Zainudin Lot, who is being treated at a hospital in Talkeetna, Alaska. His condition is stable, but he has frostbite on both hands.

“Meanwhile, we regret to inform you that Zulkifli Yusuf was confirmed dead at 6am on Wednesday (May 29) while taking refuge in a ‘snow cave’ in an area known as ‘Football Field’ at an altitude of 19,700ft above sea level.

“The suspected causes of death are high altitude cerebral edema and hypothermia, which will be confirmed by a postmortem,” it said in a Facebook post on Saturday (June 1).

Climber Zulkifli was confirmed dead on May 29 while taking refuge in a ‘snow cave’ in an area known as ‘Football Field’ at an altitude of 19,700ft above sea level.

The club reported that Zulkifli’s body remains at the site, and the process of recovery may take some time, depending on weather conditions.

The Malaysian consulate in Los Angeles has also been informed about the development and will assist the victims for the next process.

Earlier, Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 47, one of the three Malaysian climbers who successfully reached the peak of Mount Denali in Alaska, was rescued after being trapped by adverse weather during their descent on May 28.

Illaham is now receiving treatment at a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, and also suffered frostbite on his hands and feet.