Porchester Andean Expedition

Simpson and Yates succeeded in their objective of an alpine-style ascent of the unclimbed (1,250m high) W face of Siula Grande (6,356m). During their descent of the N ridge first one, then the other, fell through cornices at 6,000m-Simpson's fall resulting in a severe fracture. Yates lowered him down 800m of snow-face in storm conditions, but Simpson eventually fell into a large bergschrund. Assuming him dead, Yates returned to Base Camp alone. Simpson managed to crawl out of the crevasse and reach Base Camp after four days without food or water. He has since recovered after this miraculous escape.