UPDATED: Two Moldovan alpinists found dead on mount Ushba, Svaneti

Updated: 15:50

A source participating in the search operation in Svaneti has confirmed to Agenda.ge that two bodies and the alpinists’ tent have been found on Mount Ushba in Georgia’s north-west Svaneti region. The Moldovan alpinists took the so-called classic 4th route.

Before: 12:49

Georgian rescue officers are searching for two Moldovian alpinists who went missing near Mount Ushba in Georgia’s north-west Svaneti region.

Local media outlet Interpressnews reports that rescuers have been searching for the foreign citizens for several days.

Due to bad weather conditions, a helicopter could not be brought in to help in the search operation. 

Mtavari Arkhi reports that the lost alpinists are father and son.

Mount Ushba, standing 4,710m high, is one of the most notable peaks of the Caucasus mountain range. Due to its steep profile and unstable weather, Mount Ushba is regarded as the most difficult ascent in the Caucasus.Ushba has more than 50 different climbing routes.

The north summit was first climbed in 1888 by English climbers and the south was first climbed in 1903. Before that about 20 ascents were unsuccessful. The First soviet ascent was made in 1934, led by Alexander Japaridze.