Bosnia leaders express condolences after Elbrus tragedy as government pledges support

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Becirovic extended his "deepest condolences" to the families of those who lost their lives.

"I received the news of the tragedy on Mount Elbrus and the deaths of our citizens with immeasurable sorrow," Becirovic said, adding that Bosnia and Herzegovina "stands with the victims' families, sharing their grief and pain over the lives lost."

Presidency member Zeljka Cvijanovic also expressed sympathy with the victims' families and friends.

"I was saddened to hear of the tragic accident on Mount Elbrus in the Russian Federation, in which mountaineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina lost their lives. I deeply sympathize with the families and friends of the victims and extend my sincere condolences," she said.

Fellow Presidency member Zeljko Komsic said he had received the news "with great sadness" and offered condolences to the families, friends and everyone who knew the victims.

Komsic also wished the two surviving members of the expedition a successful recovery and a safe return home, expressing hope that the victims' families would find strength to endure their loss.

Federation Prime Minister Nermin Niksic described the accident as "a tragedy not only for Zenica and the mountaineering community, but for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Niksic said he had spoken with Dino Ahmetovic, head of the Zenica Mountain Rescue Service, noting that two members of the service were among those who died.

On behalf of the Federation government, he extended condolences to the victims' families and wished the two survivors a speedy recovery.

He also stressed that institutions had a responsibility to support the bereaved families and announced that the Federation government would provide maximum assistance in arranging the transport of the victims' bodies back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the return of the two surviving climbers.

Niksic paid tribute to members of the Mountain Rescue Service, saying they regularly risk their own lives to save others and that their humanity, courage and dedication deserve lasting respect and support.

He also announced that the Federation government is expected to declare a Day of Mourning in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, describing it as a symbolic gesture to honour the victims.

According to Russian authorities, the seven-member expedition began its ascent of Mount Elbrus on July 25. One climber managed to descend and alert rescuers after two members of the group fell ill at an altitude of about 5,100 metres.

Rescuers later found two bodies at an altitude of 5,350 metres, but have been unable to recover them because of severe weather conditions. The search for the remaining three victims is ongoing.