During a record-breaking ascent of K2 in 2023, Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her team found Pakistani porter Muhammad Hassan dying and hanging upside down at about 27,000ft. They attempted to secure and assist him, but continued towards the summit because turning back was considered too dangerous and would have jeopardised their record attempt. The decision later provoked widespread criticism, abuse and death threats.

New documentary footage shows the rescue attempts in darkness, including climbers navigating slippery ice, securing Hassan with a new rope and providing warmth, water and oxygen. Hassan was reportedly already severely hypothermic and without adequate protective clothing, while an avalanche struck nearby at around 3.20am. The team ultimately left him behind, reached the summit and set a record for climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in 92 days; a viral video that appeared to show climbers stepping over Hassan intensified the backlash.