FEARS RISE FOR THREE CLIMBERS MISSING ON K2

Hopes were fading Sunday night for the safety of three mountaineers still missing on the world’s second tallest mountain after a two-day search in brutal weather failed to locate them.

Ali Sadpara of Pakistan, John Snorri of Iceland and Juan Pablo Mohr of Chile were last in contact with base camp on Friday as they pushed for the top of K2.

The 8,611-metre peak in the Karakoram range on the border of Pakistan and China was only scaled for the first time in winter just three weeks ago and its frequently deadly conditions have earned it the nickname Savage Mountain. As army helicopters combed the mountain, the Alpine Club of Pakistan appealed for prayers.

Karrar Haideri, the club’s president, said the base camp had received no signals from the team after they passed 8,000 metres. “A search is on and let’s pray for their safe return home,” he said.