Watch Everest Avalanche Tragedy

In 2014, Discovery Channel aired a special titled Everest Avalanche Tragedy that detailed the disastrous events that occurred on Mount Everest on April 18th of that year. The show was presented by Joby Ogwyn, a renowned mountain climber who has summited Everest multiple times.

The documentary begins by outlining the various expeditions that were taking place on Everest at the time of the tragedy, including the one led by Joby Ogwyn. The climbers were all eager to reach the summit, but they faced a major obstacle in the form of the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous and constantly shifting field of ice that must be crossed on the way to the top.

The first indication that something was amiss came in the form of a loud roar that was heard throughout the base camp. Joby and other climbers looked up to see a large cloud of snow and ice coming down the mountain towards them. It soon became clear that an avalanche had occurred in the Khumbu Icefall, and dozens of climbers were caught in the chaos.

The show does a great job of capturing the chaos and confusion that ensued after the avalanche hit. In interviews with survivors, Joby and other climbers describe the surreal experience of being buried under snow and ice and trying to fight their way free. Several of the climbers were badly injured, and all were shaken by the experience.

The documentary also covers the rescue efforts that took place in the aftermath of the disaster. Helicopters were called in to airlift the injured climbers to hospitals in Kathmandu, and search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate any missing climbers. The scale of the tragedy was sobering - sixteen people lost their lives in the avalanche, making it the deadliest day in the history of Everest.

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is the way it highlights the close-knit community of climbers that exist on Everest. Despite the cutthroat competition to be the first to the summit, there is a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that runs through the climbing community. Many climbers risked their own safety to help others in the aftermath of the avalanche, and the survivors express gratitude for the support they received from their fellow climbers.

Throughout the show, Joby provides insight and context as a seasoned climber with firsthand knowledge of the mountain. He also speaks candidly about the risks and rewards of mountaineering, and the difficult decisions that climbers have to make in the face of danger.

Overall, Everest Avalanche Tragedy is a powerful and moving documentary that provides a unique window into one of the most dramatic moments in modern mountaineering. The combination of raw footage, firsthand accounts, and expert commentary creates a vivid and visceral experience that captures the human drama and tragedy of the event. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in mountaineering, adventure, or the human spirit under extreme conditions.