Bulgarian alpinist Skatov dies in Pakistan's K2

By Ihvan Radoykov

SOFIA (AA) - Bulgarian alpinist Atanas Skatov died during his K2 expedition in Pakistan on Friday.

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) said that 42-year-old Skatov's body fell to a place where the rescue teams could not reach.

Earlier on Friday, a Pakistani army helicopter took off to inspect the area as Skatov disappeared.

His body was found and taken by helicopter from K2 Base Camp to Pakistan's Skardu.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva on social media offered condolences to Skatov's family and friends.

"My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Atanas #Skatov. Admiration to the power of his spirit - his achievements and his unceasing will when climbing the top will never be forgotten! Let us honor his memory! #K2winter2021 #k2winterexpedition2021," Zaharieva tweeted.

Skatov previously climbed Mount Everest, the highest mountain on the globe.

The altitude of Everest 8,848 meters or 29,029 feet. With an altitude of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), K2 in Pakistan is the world's second-highest mountain after Everest.