Authorities believe that the three men, reported missing days ago, may have fallen while attempting to navigate a challenging ridge. Despite bad weather hindering rescue operations, drone footage revealed clues to their last known movements on the mountain.
Tragedy Strikes Aoraki Mt Cook as Three Climbers Missing Presumed Dead
Tragedy Strikes Aoraki Mt Cook as Three Climbers Missing Presumed Dead
Three climbers, including Americans Kurt Blair and Carlos Romero, are feared dead on New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook, after a search effort is scaled back due to adverse weather conditions.
Authorities in New Zealand have announced their grim belief that three missing climbers on Aoraki Mt Cook, the nation’s highest mountain, are likely deceased. American climbers Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, along with an unnamed Canadian national, were reported missing after they failed to board a flight out of the mountain on Monday following their ascent on Saturday.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker indicated that the group is presumed to have fallen during their attempt to cross a challenging ridge, with searches hampered by inclement weather. In light of these conditions, the search operations will be minimized going forward. Efforts included aerial surveillance utilized through helicopters and drones in an attempt to locate the missing climbers.
Drone footage has revealed physical evidence suggesting where the climbers initiated their trek across the slopes beneath the Zurbriggen Ridge, showing footprints and scattered equipment believed to belong to them, including clothing and energy gels. Climbing Mt Cook via this ridge is classified as a Grade Four ascent, indicating the need for a high level of mountaineering skill and experience. Both Blair and Romero were known to be seasoned climbers.
A heartfelt tribute from the Silverton Avalanche School, based in Colorado, celebrated Kurt Blair as a cherished figure in the San Juan mountains, hailing his calm and supportive nature amidst the challenges of mountaineering. Additionally, colleagues remembered Carlos Romero, affectionately known as Kique, as a revered guide and mentor celebrated for his commitment and enthusiasm for climbing. Romero, originally from Venezuela, had previously contributed to research efforts at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Out of respect for the family, authorities have withheld the name of the Canadian climber.
Mt Cook stands at a towering 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and remains a sought-after destination for climbers globally, known for its demanding routes and breathtaking landscapes.
