PUTRAJAYA: The search and rescue mission to find Malaysian climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim, missing on Mount Everest since May 19, was continued today with the use of drones.
Muhammad Hawari, who is hearing impaired, was part of the Malaysia Everest (ME2023) expedition.
ME2023 expedition leader, Azim Afif Ishak, said the operation began at 9am (Nepal time), with the search radius expanded to Camp Four, located 8,000 metres above sea level.
He said the search, which previously covered Camps Two and Three, met a dead end with no clues found on his whereabouts.
He said the search on Camp Four involves the 'Death Zone', which is hazardous and difficult for rescuers to access.
"We will analyse and review the footage and videos at all the camps via a large screen so that we do not miss anything," he said when contacted.
The search mission, which has entered its third day, has two days left until it has to called of as the Nepalese authorities have accorded five days for the mission.
Azim said the search is also accompanied by a videographer skilled in drone piloting, as well as two sherpas.
Azim said the good weather today has made drone flying easier, enabling it to climb up to 8,600 metres from sea level.
He said the search today will continue until late evening, if the weather permits.
"We haven't given up hope and will continue the search until Wednesday. Only then will any decision be made on whether to continue or end the operation," he said.
