A 42-year-old Japanese electrical engineer died during an abortive attempt on the 8163 meters high Mount Manaslu Saturday in the first casualty of the current autumn climbing season in the Nepal Himalaya, the Ministry of Tourism said Tuesday.

Kuribara Isao died at 6500 meters on the peak’s northeast face after inclement weather turned him back from 7500 meters. Leader of the six-member team Kondo Kazuyoshi, 60, and UenoYukito who were on the summit team developed frostbite.

A helicopter plucked them from 6500 meters on the mountain Tuesday and airlifted them to the capital for emergency medical treatment. Three Japanese, including a woman, and three Nepali guides climbed the peak in the first attempt last Tuesday, the Ministry of Tourism said.

Ms. Okubo Yumiko,  33, a shop retailer, Kurahashi Hidetoshi, 41, a car mechanic, Saito Akira, 40, an insurance agent climbed the peak with Rahar Tamang, 34, Phinjo Sherpa, 30 and Palten Namgual Sherpa, 28.

More than 22 teams are attempting to climb in Nepal this fall.