David Lama and Hansjörg Auer missing in Canada

Austrian alpinists David Lama and Hansjörg Auer are feared missing after an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains. The news, still awaiting official confirmation, was first reported by Austria's Tiroler Tageszeitung - and subsequently widely quoted by other media outlets including Italy's ANSA news agency. According to the newspaper, a huge avalanche occurred and yesterday, Wednesday 17 April, a first helicopter reconnaissance proved unsccessful. It is assumed there may also be other people involved.

Unquestionably two of the most talented mountaineers in the world, 28-year-old Lama and 35-year-old Auer had traveled to the Canadian Rockies only recently. Along with 36-year-old leading American alpinist Jess Roskelley the trio had repeated Andromeda Strain, a difficult route up the NE Face of Mount Andromeda. ANSA has reported that there are also concerns about the fate of Roskelley.