A middle-aged Chinese woman, who narrowly escaped death while climbing Mount Everest, has allegedly refused to pay her Sherpa guide a rescue charge of $10,000 (Rs 8.2 lakh). According to South China Morning Post, the story has garnered widespread attention in China, prompting criticisms on social media.
A middle-aged Chinese woman narrowly escaped death with the help of a Sherpa guide, only to find herself embroiled in a dispute over a hefty rescue fee. The woman, identified as Liu from China’s Hunan province, reportedly refused to pay the demanded amount of $10,000 (equivalent to Rs 8.2 lakh) to her Sherpa guide, sparking widespread attention and criticism on social media.
According to the South China Morning Post, the incident took place on the evening of May 18. While escorting another climber named Fan Jiangtao, an unnamed Sherpa guide stumbled upon Liu in an unconscious state near the summit of Mount Everest. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Jiangtao decided to abandon his summit attempt and assist Liu, but their progress was hampered by the treacherous conditions.
Unable to carry Liu any further due to exhaustion, Jiangtao sought help and encountered Xie Ruxiang, a fellow member of the Hunan Provincial Mountain Climbing Association. Ruxiang selflessly offered to aid in the rescue, forsaking his own goal of reaching the summit. After some persuasion and the promise of a $10,000 reward, their Sherpa guide reluctantly agreed to assist them.
Together, the group worked tirelessly, with Ruxiang’s Sherpa guide carrying Liu on his back while Jiangtao and Ruxiang took turns ensuring her legs remained elevated to promote blood circulation. Eventually, they successfully reached the base camp, where Liu received several days of treatment and made a full recovery.
However, after the rescue operation, tensions arose when the Sherpa guide requested the agreed-upon rescue fee from Liu. Surprisingly, she refused to pay the full amount, insisting on only providing $4,000 instead of the agreed $10,000. Jiangtao, who had paid a substantial sum for the rescue fee on her behalf, expressed his anger and disappointment, feeling that Liu’s ingratitude overshadowed the sacrifices made by the rescuers.
Liu’s actions did not go unnoticed, as she faced a barrage of criticism and online trolling. In contrast, the other two climbers, Jiangtao and Ruxiang, urged people to show restraint and tolerance towards Liu, hoping to diffuse the situation.
Mount Everest continues to be a magnet for adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, but incidents like these serve as a reminder of the potential dangers and moral complexities that arise in extreme environments. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact future rescue operations on the world’s highest peak.
