Bosnian ambassador confirms two deaths as search continues for three missing climbers on Elbrus

According to Orlic, the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Moscow received the information directly from the Russian authorities.

"We have just received information from the Russian Investigative Committee. Unfortunately, Nermin Talam has died, as has Almir Krivdic. Alma Okanovic, Denis Okanovic and Melika Causevic are listed as missing and the search for them is ongoing," Orlic told N1.

He added that two members of the group are receiving medical treatment.

"Kemal Vidimlic and Haris Adilovic are in hospital, where they are receiving medical care," the ambassador said.

Vidimlic descended the mountain to seek help

Orlić explained that Kemal Vidimlic managed to descend from the mountain and alert the authorities about the situation facing the rest of the expedition.

"Kemal Vidimlic was the person who came down from the mountain and, at one of the transit stations, reported that Nermin Talam and Almir Krivdic were in serious condition because they were feeling unwell at that altitude," he said.

Group began ascent after midnight

According to the Russian Investigative Committee's report, the group of Bosnian citizens began their ascent at 1:00 a.m. on July 25.

"The report also states that the group started the climb at 1:00 a.m. on July 25, while Kemal Vidimlic reached a transit station and requested assistance later that day at 9:45 p.m.," Orlic said.

Search suspended due to severe weather

Orlic said 16 rescuers had been deployed to the area, but that the search operation had been temporarily suspended because of extremely poor weather conditions.

"Officially, 16 rescuers are on the ground. As far as we know, the search has been temporarily suspended due to exceptionally bad weather and will resume as soon as conditions allow," he said.

The ambassador also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

"My sincere condolences to the families of the victims," Orlić said.

Russian Embassy expresses condolences

The Russian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina also issued a statement following the tragedy on Mount Elbrus.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the deaths of mountaineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Elbrus," the embassy said.

The embassy extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.

"We sincerely sympathize with the families and loved ones of the victims and extend our deepest condolences," the statement added.

The embassy also wished the injured climbers a speedy recovery.

"We wish the injured mountaineers a swift recovery, good health and a safe return to their families as soon as possible," the Russian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina said.