Bodies of two climbers found in Himalayas after 16 years

Two bodies found in the Himalayas have been identified as Alex Lowe and David Bridges - 16 years after they went missing.

Experienced climber Lowe, 40, and cameraman Bridges, 29, were buried in an avalanche on the Shishapangma mountain in October 1999 whilst filming for a documentary.

Their remains were found on the mountain by climbers David Gottler and Ueli Steck last week, who were preparing for their own ascent.

Conrad Anker, who was with both Lowe and Bridges in 1999 but survived the avalanche, said: "Alex and David vanished, were captured and frozen in time. Sixteen years of life has been lived and now they are found. We are thankful."

Mr Anker married Alex Lowe's widow, Jennifer, in 2001 and adopted her three sons. He said the discovery "brings closure and relief for me and Jenni and for our family."

Mrs Lowe-Anker said they are now planning to visit Shishapangma "to put Alex to rest."