Search Suspended for Missing Climbers on New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mount Cook

The search for two American climbers and one Canadian, missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook, has ended as authorities suspect they likely succumbed to severe weather. Despite efforts to locate them, the conditions have proved devastating.

New Zealand authorities announced on Friday that they have suspended the search for three climbers presumed dead after going missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak. Commander Inspector Vicki Walker of the New Zealand Police expressed that the likelihood of survival has diminished due to adverse weather conditions.

The climbers, identified as Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, both from the United States, along with an unidentified Canadian, had aimed to summit the nearly 12,000-foot mountain. They had flown into the area on Saturday, with a charter flight scheduled for Monday morning to depart. However, when they failed to arrive for their flight, a search operation commenced.

Rescue teams faced significant obstacles during the search efforts initiated on Monday, primarily due to severe weather that complicated visibility and access. They discovered several items believed to belong to the climbers, such as a jacket, ice ax, and energy gels, as well as footprints near the challenging Zurbriggen Ridge.

Inspector Walker stated, “After reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, no communication has occurred, and taking into account the retrieved items and our reconnaissance observations, we do not believe the men have survived.” Both American climbers were recognized as certified guides in skiing, alpine climbing, and rock climbing by the American Mountain Guides Association, illustrating their extensive expertise and preparation for such endeavors.

The families of the climbers have been informed of the ongoing situation as authorities continue to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident.