S’porean Man Missing in Everest Region; Search-And-Rescue Operations Ongoing

The horror stories that flow from avid mountaineers attempting to surmount Everest seem to be never-ending. From accounts of the unrelenting physical conditions to reports of mountaineers going missing, it’s no surprise that the average Singaporean doesn’t have “climbing Mount Everest” on their bucket list — even more so, now that another Singaporean has gone missing in the Everest region.

Huh? Another Singaporean is missing?

Yes, you read that right. A 76-year-old Singaporean man has gone missing in the Everest region. Search-and-rescue operations are currently underway.

Here’s what you need to know about it.

76-Year-Old Singaporean Man Missing in Everest Region

Harry Tan, a 76-year-old Singaporean man, has gone missing near the Kongma La Pass, situated southwest of Mount Everest.

The Kongma La Pass has a reputation for being one of the most picturesque treks, but also for being a challenging one, requiring high levels of physical fitness and endurance.

Taking on the Kongma La Pass trek is a “give and take” lah — you get lovely views of Mount Everest, but your body will be put to the test.

According to a Facebook post by Jalan Besar GRC MP, Wan Rizal, it appears that the missing 76-year-old is a lecturer for the Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) department at the National Institute of Education (NIE).

“Praying for the safety of our beloved NIE/PESS lecturer, Harry Tan, during his trekking at Nepal’s Everest Base Camp. May he be safe and sound, and may the search and rescue efforts be swift and successful. Let’s keep him in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time,” the MP’s post reads.

Search-and-Rescue Operations for Missing Singaporean Man Ongoing

Fortunately, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), search-and-rescue operations for the missing Singaporean man are currently underway.

The MFA has also been in close contact with the missing Singaporean’s family as well as the local authorities in Nepal, through the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi.

The ministry added that it will continue to monitor developments in the case and will provide the Singaporean’s family with consular support.

Not the First Singaporean to Go Missing in Everest Region

Mr Harry Tan is not the first Singaporean to have gone missing in the Everest region. Just last year, we heard the news of a 39-year-old Singaporean who went missing near the summit of Mount Everest.

The Singaporean apparently developed High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), a high-altitude illness that could lead to fatigue and loss of coordination. As a result, the Singaporean was separated from the rest of the trekking group. Unfortunately, the search-and-rescue team could not locate the missing 39-year-old Singaporean.