Missing Japanese Climbers Discovered 45 Years After Leaving Hut

Police in Switzerland have identified the two Japanese climbers discovered near the north face of the Matterhorn. 

Masayuki Kobayashi, 21, and Michio Oikawa, 22, disappeared in a snowstorm in 1970 while attempting the  north face of the Matterhorn.

On Aug. 18, 1970, they left the hut in Hornli and climbed 1,000 metres before going missing in a storm. Friends waited six days before reporting them missing, in hope Kobayashi and Oikawa had escaped to another hut.

After being reported, helicopters searched the area. A helmet and pack were found about 50 metres from the summit, which belonged to Kobayashi.

Last September, a climber found bones in a melting glacier. After DNA testing, a match to Kobayashi and Oikawa was made.

In July, 1865, four member’s of the first ascent team slipped and fell to their deaths descending the mountain. There are over 600 people who have been killed trying to climb the famous peak.

In the 1980s, Kevin Doyle became the first Canadian to solo the north face of the Matterhorn.