Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja is feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, leaving a 10-member international climbing team out of contact, according to Pakistani mountaineering authorities.

The avalanche hit the 8,047-metre (26,400-foot) Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, in the Karakoram mountain range on Thursday afternoon. Officials said there has been no communication with the expedition since the avalanche, raising fears for the safety of all members of the team.

According to reports, the expedition led by Purja includes five Nepali climbers, as well as climbers from the United States, China, Oman, and Pakistan. Search and rescue operations are being coordinated by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, with helicopters expected to be deployed as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.

“We are coordinating with the relevant authorities and are trying to arrange a helicopter rescue on Friday morning, subject to weather conditions,” Alpine Club of Pakistan Vice President Karrar Haidri said to AP News.

Broad Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most technically demanding 8,000-metre peaks and attracts experienced mountaineers from around the globe.

Purja rose to international prominence in 2019 after climbing all 14 of the world’s mountains above 8,000 metres in just 189 days, shattering the previous record. The achievement was later featured in the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.”

Born in Nepal, Purja joined the British Army in 2003 as a Gurkha before becoming a member of the Royal Marines in 2009. His mountaineering journey began in 2012 with a trek to the Everest Base Camp before he went on to become one of the world’s most celebrated high-altitude climbers.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it has directed all available resources to support the search operation and expressed hope for the safe rescue of all climbers. As of Friday morning, no fatalities had been officially confirmed, and the team remains listed as missing while rescue efforts continue.