Rescuers Battle Blizzard to Recover Climbers on Siberia's Highest Peak

Rescue teams in the Russian republic of Buryatia are working through a severe mountain blizzard to recover the bodies of three tourists who died from hypothermia. The incident occurred on the slopes of Munku-Sardyk, a 3,492-meter peak that is the highest in the region.

The group began their trek on April 18 and was expected to return by April 22. In the early hours of April 21, however, several surviving members of the party reached a road and left a note at a roadside cafe alerting authorities to the three fatalities before returning to the scene. A criminal case has been initiated regarding the alleged provision of services that failed to meet safety requirements.

By late Monday night, rescuers had transported two bodies to an area known as "Lake." Operations resumed at first light Tuesday under what emergency officials describe as extreme conditions: high winds, heavy snowfall, poor visibility, and unstable communications. One surviving tourist was escorted to a vehicle at a location called "Strelka," while the other remaining climbers descended on their own.

Munku-Sardyk, situated on the border with Mongolia, is the third-highest summit in Russia, surpassed only by Mount Elbrus and Mount Belukha.