Mountain climber confirmed as dead as body still missing
A Scottish mountain guide has been officially confirmed as dead, with his body still yet to be recovered following an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas.
British Mountain Guides (BMG) said the body of Martin Moran, 64, was still missing after a search operation that saw those of seven other climbers recovered.
The group, understood to be comprised of four Britons, two Americans, one Australian and an Indian liaison officer, vanished in the Nanda Devi region on 26 May following an avalanche. The team was attempting to reach the top of an unclimbed peak in a remote area.
A BMG statement said: “We are sad to share the news that the eighth and still missing body is that of our member Martin Moran.
“The thoughts of all British Mountain Guides go out to the eight families and friends involved in this tragic incident.”
The organisation said it understood the bodies of the other men will be repatriated to their respective countries in coming days.
Mr Moran, originally from Tyneside, has been a mountain guide since 1985 and set up his company, Moran Mountain, based in Strathcarron in the Highlands, with his wife Joy. Their grown-up children Hazel and Alex also work for the business.
Paying tribute, BMG said: “He was the very embodiment of a British and international mountain guide, highly respected and a consummate professional.”