Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate two American climbers and a Canadian who went missing while trying to scale Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, sparking concerns as severe weather sets in.
Three Climbers Missing After Attempt to Summit New Zealand's Tallest Peak
Three Climbers Missing After Attempt to Summit New Zealand's Tallest Peak
Search efforts for the missing climbers on Mount Cook have been hampered by extreme weather conditions.
Three climbers, identified as Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, from the United States, and an unnamed Canadian, have been reported missing since they failed to return from an expedition to Mount Cook on Monday, prompting local police to initiate search and rescue operations. Vicki Walker, a police commander, confirmed the climbers did not arrive for their prearranged flight back from the mountain, which raised alarms.
On-site search teams discovered various climbing gear believed to belong to the climbers. However, due to harsh weather conditions, search efforts have been suspended until at least Thursday. The three climbers commenced their ascent on Saturday afternoon, reaching an altitude of around 12,000 feet, an area known for challenging climbing routes within the Southern Alps, located in New Zealand’s South Island.
Despite no mountain weather hazard warnings issued for the weekend, conditions deteriorated beginning Monday with gale force winds and subsequent alerts for rain and high wind chill, increasing the risk of hypothermia among the climbers. The American Mountain Guides Association confirmed that both American climbers held certifications in skiing, rock climbing, and alpine mountaineering, highlighting their experience in outdoor adventures. As the search continues, authorities remain hopeful for a positive outcome despite the mounting challenges presented by the inclement weather.
