Body of sixth climber found

THE BODY of a sixth climber who had been reported missing on Mont Blanc was found in a crevasse yesterday afternoon.

The bodies of five other climbers were found earlier in the day.

The six climbers, made up of one experienced guide and five trainee outdoor activities instructors, went missing on Tuesday night in bad weather, as they were climbing towards the 3,902m Aiguille d'Argentière in the Mont Blanc massif.

Four men and one woman, aged between 30 and 40, set out with their guide for an expedition organised by France's national association for outdoor sports UCPA.

According to reports, the climbers were roped together. It is believed they died after falling 250m.

An investigation has been launched into the possible cause of the tragedy, but local prosecutor Agnes Robine said it is too early to draw any conclusions.

None of the climbers, whose identities have not been released, were novices, she said.

The five trainee instructors were on a two-week course. Police said the group had taken all reasonable precautions, and the guide knew the passage they were climbing well.