Hopes Fade For Everest Climber

President Nelson Mandela expressed concern Sunday upon learning that a South African climber is missing on Mount Everest.

Bruce Herrod, a professional photographer, lagged behind two other South Africans and their Nepalese guide who reached the summit Saturday. The others last made radio contact with Herrod during his descent.

“He may be lost, but the weather conditions there are so bad that if somebody is missing for so long, there is very little hope,” Mandela said.

Two other South Africans, Cathy O’Dowd and Ian Woodall, flew South Africa’s post-apartheid flag for the first time on the 29,024-foot mountain, the world’s highest. They were guided by Temba Sherpa.