CHAMONIX: PGHM again in action

Another busy day for the PGHM Chamonix (mountain rescue). One climber had to be rescued from the Col des Domes de Miage with altitude sickness. Another 2 persons had to be evacuated from the Mer de Glace Ice Cave and from St. Gervais with suspicions of an infarction. At the end of the day, 2 trekkers (one with more than 80 years old) had to be evacuated from the path between the Brevent and Flegere, they were tired. Japanese climber that died Monday: questions and answers A Japanese climber died last Monday when he was abseiling/doing a rappel. This accident happened in the Pointe Gaspard in the Aiguilles Rouges area. The climber was with a mountain guide of the Chamonix Guides Company. The responsibility of the guide is not in cause (very experienced person), but the PGHM is investigating the gear used on the abseil and its utilization. According with the PGHM, the client was safe on the belay waiting for the mountain guide to finish his abseil. It was during this moment that the client had a deadly fall. The client was using a specific belay system called the 'daisy chain'. But what could have happened??? Is the 'Daisy Chain' safe? Lots of questions that worries a lot of mountain guides. All these elements will be studied by the PGHM and sent to the formal authorities. Le Dauphiné