Two Italian and Two South Korean Climbers Discovered Deceased Near Mont Blanc’s Peak

French rescue officials announced on Tuesday that the bodies of two Italian and two South Korean climbers were discovered near the top of Mont Blanc on the French side. They had gone missing over the weekend in severe weather conditions.

The Chamonix-Mont Blanc search and rescue team located the two pairs of climbers at an altitude of 4,700 meters (over 15,400 feet) on the highest peak of the Alps. The climbers tragically succumbed to hypothermia, according to rescue officials.

The climbers, who were traveling without assistance, had contacted rescuers on Saturday afternoon. However, worsening weather conditions made it impossible for rescuers to reach them by ground or helicopter.

Two other Korean climbers were successfully rescued on Sunday morning at an altitude of 4,100 meters (over 13,400 feet) after a complex rescue operation was carried out.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.