Clothing Questioned in Fatal Buryatia Climb

An international-class rescuer has suggested inadequate clothing may have contributed to the deaths of three tourists on a mountain in Buryatia. The climbers died from hypothermia while descending Mount Munku-Sardyk, according to Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Rescuer Yegor Dulnev told NEWS.ru that while mountaineering occurs year-round, participants are warned of potential conditions. "A climber can become hypothermic in any season," Dulnev said. "In this instance, it appears those who died in Buryatia did not have suitable clothing. However, it is generally quite difficult to freeze when you are in a large group."

He noted that part of the group made a critical decision to turn back when they realized the situation was deteriorating. They descended to a road and left a note at a cafe about the fatalities before returning to the scene. Dulnev explained this is standard procedure; survivors often transport bodies to a point accessible by rescue vehicles.

The group began their trek on April 18 with a planned return for April 22. The alarm was raised on the night of April 21. At 3,492 meters, Munku-Sardyk is Russia's third-highest peak, located on the border with Mongolia. The investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.