Missing Climbers - Fowler & Boskoff

UPDATE: 12/27/06 - Associated Press reports the body of one climber found. Click to read the story.

To see the latest go to http://fowlerboskoff.blogspot.com/

From the site...

• On December 24, 2006, Dave Hillon, Chief, Consular Section U.S. Consulate General, Chengdu, China, reported that the luggage left behind was opened as scheduled. Present were the Litang PSB and Foreign Affairs Office, and some members of the Field Team. The results:- Fowler and Boskoff took all of their climbing gear with them. The bags and the remaining contents weigh around 15 kg and 25 kg.- The most recent entry in Boskoff’s diary was November 8, 2006. It confirmed that they were planning to head for Genyen Peak.

• On December 24, 2006, Dave Hillon, Chief, Consular Section U.S. Consulate General, Chengdu, China, also reported that the local officials are taking the search very seriously and making a lot of resources available, including the over 300 PSB officers that have been involved in the search so far.

• On December 24, 2006, the driver who took Fowler and Boskoff to Lamaya was interviewed by the same group that opened the bags. Questioning was focused on where he dropped them off, whether there were other locals involved, and whether they had said anything further about their plans. Because they took most of their gear, it is possible they would have tried to rent pack animals or hire porters. According to the driver:- Fowler and Boskoff did look into renting a horse but they could not agree on a price. They set off each carrying a large pack on their backs and a smaller one in front.- If they could not get a ride around November 24, they would call from Zhangna, a town south of Lamaya. Lastly, Fowler and Boskoff were in good health.

• On December 24, 2006, same group above plus the driver will leave for Litang and will overnight in Lamaya. They search team will hit the trail tomorrow morning. Medical and ambulance services are on stand-by in Litang. Good luck to all and to all a good night.

CNN International-Beijing piece will air on December 26, 2006.

On January 3, 2007, 6:30 - 8:30pm: Osprey Packs will host a fundraiser to aid in the search at the Abbey Theatre in Durango, CO. Local professional photographers Bill Hatcher, Kennan Harvey and Scott Smith will present a sampling of their work. There will be a silent auction with gear from Osprey, Outdoor Research, Prana, and the local outdoor shops. Suggested donation at the door is $10.

And here's a link to Charlie Fowler's website to learn more.