Authorities believe they have succumbed to the challenges of the perilous terrain.
Three Missing Climbers Presumed Dead on New Zealand’s Aoraki Mt Cook
Three Missing Climbers Presumed Dead on New Zealand’s Aoraki Mt Cook
Search efforts for three climbers, including two Americans and a Canadian, have been slowed by inclement weather.
Authorities in New Zealand have indicated that they fear three climbers who went missing earlier this week on Aoraki Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in the country, are dead. The missing individuals include Americans Kurt Blair, aged 56, Carlos Romero, aged 50, and an unnamed Canadian national. They were reported missing on Monday after failing to meet their scheduled flight out of the mountain area.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated on Friday that the police believe the men may have fallen while attempting to navigate a ridge. Search operations have been severely hindered by adverse weather conditions over the past few days, and Walker confirmed that search efforts would soon be scaled back. Helicopters and drones have been deployed in an attempt to locate the climbers, who had embarked on their expedition on Saturday.
Drone surveillance revealed signs of the climbers' attempts to traverse the slopes beneath the Zurbriggen Ridge, with evidence including footprints and personal equipment such as clothing and energy gels believed to belong to the missing men. Climbing Mt Cook via the Zurbriggen Ridge is categorized as a Grade Four ascent according to Climb NZ, requiring considerable mountaineering experience and sound judgment. Blair and Romero were reportedly skilled climbers with extensive backgrounds in the sport.
A tribute from the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado described Blair as an integral figure in the San Juan mountains, noting his legacy of mountain exploration. "Anyone who shared time with Kurt in the mountains knows that his calm demeanor and positive presence countered the rugged nature often found among mountain guides," the tribute stated. Blair was a father of two with a global climbing history.
Romero, known as Kique, was remembered by SWS Mountain Guides from California as a cherished guide and mentor recognized for his climbing expertise and passion for the sport. Originally from Venezuela, Romero had worked for several years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
The police have decided not to disclose the identity of the Canadian climber to respect the wishes of his family. Aoraki Mt Cook stands at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and attracts climbers from across the globe looking for a formidable challenge.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated on Friday that the police believe the men may have fallen while attempting to navigate a ridge. Search operations have been severely hindered by adverse weather conditions over the past few days, and Walker confirmed that search efforts would soon be scaled back. Helicopters and drones have been deployed in an attempt to locate the climbers, who had embarked on their expedition on Saturday.
Drone surveillance revealed signs of the climbers' attempts to traverse the slopes beneath the Zurbriggen Ridge, with evidence including footprints and personal equipment such as clothing and energy gels believed to belong to the missing men. Climbing Mt Cook via the Zurbriggen Ridge is categorized as a Grade Four ascent according to Climb NZ, requiring considerable mountaineering experience and sound judgment. Blair and Romero were reportedly skilled climbers with extensive backgrounds in the sport.
A tribute from the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado described Blair as an integral figure in the San Juan mountains, noting his legacy of mountain exploration. "Anyone who shared time with Kurt in the mountains knows that his calm demeanor and positive presence countered the rugged nature often found among mountain guides," the tribute stated. Blair was a father of two with a global climbing history.
Romero, known as Kique, was remembered by SWS Mountain Guides from California as a cherished guide and mentor recognized for his climbing expertise and passion for the sport. Originally from Venezuela, Romero had worked for several years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
The police have decided not to disclose the identity of the Canadian climber to respect the wishes of his family. Aoraki Mt Cook stands at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and attracts climbers from across the globe looking for a formidable challenge.
