In the spring of 1980, climbers Mike Helms and Bob Kandiko came upon two other climbers, Jack Roberts and Simon McCartney, in peril near the summit of Alaska’s 20,310-foot Denali. Over the next several days, and in very difficult conditions, Helms and Kandiko attempted to save the two climbers' lives. Helms and Kandiko were part of separate climbing teams on other peaks in Denali National Park and Preserve, but a long stretch of bad weather forced the teams back into base camp, and eventually, most of their fellow climbers gave up and headed home. The two linked up, and Helms and his new friend Kandiko went up the Cassin Ridge and were within 1,000 feet of the summit when they encountered McCartney and Roberts, acquaintances from base camp. Roberts had frostbitten feet, but McCartney was in far more critical condition – semi-conscious with cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain. His survival depended on getting him off Denali, one of the most dangerous mountains in the world.

0:00 Introduction
0:45 Denali
1:51 The Denali Climbing Ordeal
16:01 The Aftermath
18:58 Conclusion/Survival Tips

Merch now available! https://outdoordiasters.creator-sprin...

If you haven't yet, please subscribe by clicking here:    / @outdoordisasters  

Music by Scott Buckley "Omega"

DISCLAIMER: All materials in these videos fall within the guidelines of fair dealing. No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are, or represent, the copyright owner of materials used in this video, and have an issue with the use of said material, or have any questions, feedback, suggestions, etc, email OD at [email protected] Copyright © 2023 Outdoor Disasters. All rights reserved.