40 Year Anniversary of when Pete and Joe were lost

May 17th 2022 is the Fortieth Anniversary of the last sighting of Pete Boardman and Joe Tasker as they moved up the North East Ridge of Everest. They had left Advanced Base Camp on May 15th in a final attempt to climb the mountain. That day they reached the second snow cave, and the following day (16th) they reached the third snow cave. On the 17th they would go on to The Pinnacles and then head for the summit. Chris Bonington and Adrian Gordon had made their way to the North Col which was a possible route of descent for Pete and Joe. They were seen just below the Second Pinnacle having been climbing for 14 hours, and then moved out of sight. They were never seen again. Chris and Adrian waited at the North Col for four days but there was to be no sign of Pete and Joe.
A catastrophe had occurred.

Peter Boardman obituary by Dr Charles Clarke

Joe Tasker obituary by Dick Renshaw

High Magazine obituary (issue no.5 Oct/Nov 1982)

For the full story, please see the article Everest 1982, 40 years on

All images below © Chris Bonington archive

Three tiny figures of Pete, Joe and Dick ascending the first pinnacle on Everest

Joe, Pete and Dick on first pinnacle Everest 1982

Pete and Joe in red mountaineering suits on the Rongbuk glacier with blue sky

Pete and Joe on the Rongbuk glacier on Everest 1982

Pete and Joe sitting below a tree in the shade smiling and holding a drink

Joe Tasker and Peter Boardman 1982

Pete and Joe wearing red mountaineering suits, sitting in advanced basecamp, surrounded by camping equipment.

Pete and Joe at advanced base the afternoon before their final attempt

Joe sitting writing at a table in base camp

Joe Tasker at base camp on Everest 1982

Pete Boardman sitting at a table in base camp studying the map

Pete Boardman at base camp on Everest 1982

Pete and Joe roped together beginning the ascent from advance base, in red suits, contrasting with the snow and rock, and bright blue sky.

Pete and Joe leaving advance base on the final climb 1982

A red tent and figure sitting next to the tent, looking at the dark rock and moody skies over the north east ridge.

Waiting for Joe and Pete on the North East ridge of Everest in 1982

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