More foreign mountaineers missing

• Source: Global Times
• [03:44 November 05 2009]
• Comments

Lin Li said rescuers suspended their search for the missing Russian climbers Wednesday afternoon after a four-day rescue effort.

Lin said the precipitous mountains have attracted daring mountaineers from around the world.

"But it's a dangerous activity, which could be easily affected by natural disasters like earthquakes and snow slides.

"Especially when winter is approaching and the loosened geological structures after the big earthquake last year are factors increasing the possibility of accidents."

He also blamed the foreigners for ignoring China's regulations on mountain climbing.

"Many climbers do not register with the mountaineering association before they begin their climb, which is illegal."

He said the Russian team that lost two members on Siguniang Mountain failed to regis-ter before their climb.

"In July alone, about 9 groups of about 150 foreign climbers didn't get the associa-tion's approval before they began their climb," he said.