Overview
- The three Peruvian climbers lost contact during their descent from Huascarán on July 14 after reaching the summit, with the last direct message a brief WhatsApp saying they were lost.
- Rescue drones on July 18 recorded footprints near a crevasse at roughly 6,300 metres, the first physical lead after several days of searching and bad weather.
- Volunteer brigades suspended their on‑mountain work after citing exhaustion and a disputed Police National (PNP) helicopter pickup that they say flew over without landing.
- Families have contracted specialized high‑altitude rescuers and coordinators in Huaraz to mount a second, targeted ground operation to verify the drone traces.
- Searchers warn that extreme altitude, temperatures as low as about −30°C, avalanche risk and the climbers’ reported light gear without sleeping bags make a rapid ground check urgent and limit helicopter and rotation options at height.