Three climbers, including two Americans and one Canadian, have gone missing on Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, and are now presumed dead after evidence suggests a possible fall.
The climbers, Kurt Blair from Colorado, Carlos Romero from California, and an unnamed Canadian, embarked on their climb on Saturday. However, by Monday, it became apparent that they had not returned to their prearranged transportation, prompting concerns about their safety.
The alarm was raised when search teams found climbing-related items believed to belong to the climbers, but no other signs of their presence. The search efforts were initially hampered by severe weather conditions, which stalled progress for three days.
On Friday, search teams using drones spotted footprints in the snow, along with additional climbing gear such as clothing, an ice ax, and energy gels. Despite these findings, the lack of communication from the climbers over the number of days they had been missing led authorities to conclude that the climbers likely did not survive the ordeal.
Inspector Vicki Walker, the Police Area Commander, informed reporters that after reviewing all available evidence, including the duration of their disappearance and the retrieved items, authorities believe the men suffered a fatal fall. The search efforts will continue if new evidence emerges, but the case has been referred to a coroner.
Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, is a challenging peak standing at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). It’s a favorite amongst experienced climbers due to its technical demands, which include dealing with crevasses, avalanche risks, and unstable weather conditions. Unfortunately, these hazards have led to over 240 recorded deaths in and around the national park since the 20th century.
Authorities emphasize the inherent risks of climbing Aoraki, especially under treacherous conditions. The tragic incident underscores the need for caution and preparedness in such endeavors. As of now, the fate of the climbers remains a somber reminder of the mountain’s unforgiving nature.
Source: Weather
