The search operation for three climbers missing on Aoraki Mt Cook has yielded grim news, with authorities believing the men are dead after failing to return from their expedition.
Three Missing Climbers Presumed Dead on Aoraki Mt Cook
Three Missing Climbers Presumed Dead on Aoraki Mt Cook
Tragic incident on New Zealand's tallest mountain as search efforts slow due to severe weather.
The police in New Zealand announced on Friday that they fear three climbers who went missing on Aoraki Mt Cook, the country’s highest peak, are likely dead. The individuals, identified as Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, along with an unnamed Canadian climber, were reported missing Monday after missing their scheduled flight from the mountain.
Inspector Vicki Walker, the Aoraki Area Commander, relayed that police suspect the climbers fell while attempting to navigate a ridge. Search efforts have faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, leading authorities to announce a winding down of the search operation. Drones and helicopters had been deployed in an attempt to locate the climbers, who had commenced their ascension on the previous Saturday.
Drone imagery revealed signs indicating where the climbers began to traverse the slopes beneath the Zurbriggen Ridge, showcasing footprints and personal items, including clothing and energy gels, believed to belong to the missing climbers. The Zurbriggen Ridge is classified as a Grade Four climb by Climb NZ, necessitating considerable mountaineering experience and adept judgment. Both Blair and Romero were noted for their extensive climbing backgrounds.
A heartfelt tribute to Blair came from the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado, reflecting on his status as a cherished figure within the community of mountain adventurers. “Anyone who spent time with Kurt in the mountains knows of his calm demeanor that was a counterbalance to the often harsh personalities found among mountain guides,” the statement on social media read. His colleagues indicated that Blair had explored diverse climbing terrains globally.
Romero, known fondly as "Kique," received accolades from his California-based SWS Mountain Guides, who acknowledged him as a prominent guide and mentor revered for his enthusiasm and expertise in climbing. Reportedly hailing from Venezuela, Romero had been associated with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before his climbing pursuits.
Due to the family's preference, authorities have chosen not to disclose the identity of the Canadian climber. Located in the South Island, Mt Cook stands at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and is widely recognized as a prominent challenge for climbers from various regions seeking an adventurous ascent.
Inspector Vicki Walker, the Aoraki Area Commander, relayed that police suspect the climbers fell while attempting to navigate a ridge. Search efforts have faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, leading authorities to announce a winding down of the search operation. Drones and helicopters had been deployed in an attempt to locate the climbers, who had commenced their ascension on the previous Saturday.
Drone imagery revealed signs indicating where the climbers began to traverse the slopes beneath the Zurbriggen Ridge, showcasing footprints and personal items, including clothing and energy gels, believed to belong to the missing climbers. The Zurbriggen Ridge is classified as a Grade Four climb by Climb NZ, necessitating considerable mountaineering experience and adept judgment. Both Blair and Romero were noted for their extensive climbing backgrounds.
A heartfelt tribute to Blair came from the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado, reflecting on his status as a cherished figure within the community of mountain adventurers. “Anyone who spent time with Kurt in the mountains knows of his calm demeanor that was a counterbalance to the often harsh personalities found among mountain guides,” the statement on social media read. His colleagues indicated that Blair had explored diverse climbing terrains globally.
Romero, known fondly as "Kique," received accolades from his California-based SWS Mountain Guides, who acknowledged him as a prominent guide and mentor revered for his enthusiasm and expertise in climbing. Reportedly hailing from Venezuela, Romero had been associated with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before his climbing pursuits.
Due to the family's preference, authorities have chosen not to disclose the identity of the Canadian climber. Located in the South Island, Mt Cook stands at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and is widely recognized as a prominent challenge for climbers from various regions seeking an adventurous ascent.
