Aoraki/Mt Cook on New Zealand’s South Island. Picture: stock
NZ Police remain hopeful they will be able to resume searches tomorrow for three men who remain missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook.
US nationals Kurt Blair, Carlos Romero and a Canadian man were reported missing when they failed to arrive for their flight on Monday (December 2) after a climbing trip.
The men flew into Plateau Hut at 3.30pm on Saturday, November 30, and had planned to climb the mountain via Zurbriggen Ridge.
The mountain is situated on the South Island, south-west of Christchurch, and is New Zealand’s tallest peak.
Police says they have grave concerns for the three men.
Romero was identified by US media as a San Francisco resident and a guide for SWS Mountain Guides based at Mount Shasta.
The group, in a Facebook post, said Carlos “Kique” Romero and his group encountered “severe” conditions.
“Search teams faced challenges due to extreme weather and the situation remains grim. Kique is widely respected for his skills as a guide, and enthusiasm for climbing,” it read.
The post went on: “Our hearts are with their families, friends, and the climbing community as we await further updates. We continue to hope for clarity and hold Kique close in our thoughts.”
Earlier efforts by a helicopter and specialist search and rescue team proved unsuccessful and was cut short by the weather. Online media reports say a jacket and ice axe were found before the search was called off.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says the terrain on the mountain is difficult and praised the efforts of searchers so far.
“I want to acknowledge the work so far of those involved in the search, including the Department of Conservation (DoC) Search and Rescue Team, The Helicopter Line, and Police Search and Rescue,” she says.
A rescue team will continue to assess weather conditions but it unlikely searching will be able to continue before tomorrow.
Police say they could not identify the Canadian man at the request of his family.
