Police have reported that three experienced climbers—two Americans and one Canadian—are presumed dead after a search operation was hampered by inclement weather on Aoraki Mt Cook.
Climbers Presumed Dead on Aoraki Mt Cook Despite Rescue Efforts
Climbers Presumed Dead on Aoraki Mt Cook Despite Rescue Efforts
A tragic disappearance on New Zealand's tallest mountain has led authorities to believe that three climbers are likely deceased after failing to return from a challenging expedition.
Authorities have announced that three climbers, including Americans Kurt Blair (56) and Carlos Romero (50), are likely dead following their disappearance while attempting to ascend New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook. The climbers were last heard from on Monday when they did not board their scheduled flight from the mountain.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated on Friday that the climbers are believed to have fallen while navigating a ridge crossing. The search for the men has faced challenges due to poor weather conditions, and the decision has been made to scale back the operation.
Despite using helicopters and drones to locate the climbers who embarked on their journey on Saturday, the search has yielded limited results. Drone footage has revealed several clues indicating the climbers’ route, including footprints and personal items such as clothing and energy gels. Climbing Aoraki via the Zurbriggen Ridge is recognized as a Grade Four climb, necessitating a high level of skill and experience, which both Blair and Romero possessed.
Tributes have poured in for Blair, a respected figure in the climbing community, described by the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado as a "beloved fixture of the San Juan mountains." His contributions as a father and adventurer have left a profound impact on those who knew him.
Romero, affectionately called "Kique," was celebrated by SWS Mountain Guides in California as a skilled guide and mentor. Originating from Venezuela, he had a notable career at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before dedicating his life to climbing.
The police have chosen to withhold the identity of the Canadian climber at the family's request. Aoraki Mt Cook stands at 3,724m (12,217ft) and is considered a popular, yet formidable challenge for climbers across the globe.
