MOSCOW — Russian authorities recovered the bodies of five foreign climbers believed to be from Bosnia after they became stranded on Mount Elbrus, Russia’s highest peak, officials said Sunday.
According to the local prosecutor’s office, a group of seven foreign climbers began ascending Mount Elbrus on July 24. Weather conditions deteriorated rapidly the following day, causing the group to lose its route.
Investigators said one member of the expedition descended the mountain and alerted authorities that two climbers had fallen ill at an altitude of about 5,100 meters and died.
Rescue teams later located another survivor and recovered the bodies of three additional climbers, bringing the death toll to five.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims but said they were foreign nationals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic confirmed reports that the victims were Bosnian citizens, describing the incident as “a major tragedy.”
Russian authorities have not released further details on the cause of the climbers’ deaths, and the investigation remains ongoing.
