Man held for trying to scale Everest without a permit. “I was treated like a murderer”
South African Ryan Sean Davy, 43, who tried to climb Mount Everest without paying the $11,000 (£8,510) permit fee, has been detained after being caught by officials. He was told also to expect a heavy fine.
The majority of climbers only tackle Everest accompanied by at least one guide and a well-equipped support team at base camp.
Davy climbed alone to a height of 7,300m (24,000ft) before being found hiding in a cave. He has apologised but said he was treated “like a murderer”.
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According to a tourism ministry official cited by the BBC Davy had tried to escape two government climbing officers on Friday who saw him near the base camp. They followed him to an isolated camp that he had set up in a cave to avoid being spotted.
The officers confiscated his passport on suspicion of not having an Everest permit and ordered him to go to the capital Kathmandu, where his paperwork could be reclaimed from the tourism department. But so far Davy has failed to present himself.
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“He was telling us that he didn’t have enough money so he would take the trekking route to reach Kathmandu. Although we don’t know where exactly he is now we do know he’s breached the law and needs to face legal consequences.” the official said.
Davy said on Facebook:
“Expedition companies have no time for wanna be Everesters with no money so someone turned me in. I was harassed at basecamp to a point that I honestly thought I was going to get stoned to death right there. I’m not even exaggerating. I was treated like a murderer. A true testimony of how money has become more important than decency.
My passport has been confiscated and I am being sent to Katmandu where I will face penalties, apparently I’m in for jail time. I am so sorry that I have let all my supporters down and those who had faith in me, but please believe me when I say I will find the means to finish what I started. Unfortunately it will have to be put on hold for the next season or until I am allowed! It’s a hurdle of which I will find a way over. I was so close… Good bye Himalayas, I will miss you.
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To all my close friends and family who I know will want to jump in and rescue me by paying the exorbitant 5 digit $ fines or bail fees, please I beg you, Do not! This was my doing and I took the risks, I am accountable. I would feel really really bad if someone baled me out for something I did on my own accord. This will pass as everything else does in life and I will return for a second attempt!”
Nepal relies heavily on income generated from Everest expeditions.
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