A team of climbers from the North is today planning a second attempt to reach the top of Mount Everest after coming to within 250 metres of the 8,848 metre-high summit yesterday.
The team was driven back by the elements and a problem with equipment.
Speaking today by satellite phone from the upper slopes of Mount Everest's North Face, expedition leader Mr Richard Dougan said: "we've all safely returned to high camp after getting very close to the summit. The most important thing is that we're healthy and that I'm happy to say that all our fingers are in place".
Mr Richard Dougan, Mr David Sharp, Mr Jamie McGuinness and Sherpa Ang Furi climbed to Camp 3 at 8,300 metres on Wednesday before pitching a tent on a steep slope. At 2.30 a.m. yesterday, Mr Dougan and Mr Sharp set off for the top in moderate snow and wind.
They cleared the First Step and reached the top of the Second Step, two rockfaces which are the final obstacles before the summit.
With only 280 vertical metres to go, they turned back - suffering from cold hands and a problem with their oxygen supply. They returned safely to Camp 3 and are now working their way back to Advanced Base Camp where they will be reunited with Newry climber Mr Banjo Bannon.
Team members are now examining all options including a second summit attempt in the next ten days. Their tents at Camps 2 and 3 remain in place and should the weather improve, they may try again.
The team has sent its congratulations to fellow Irish climbers from Mr Pat Falvey's expedition, two of whom successfully reached the summit yesterday.
