World
December 4, 2024 12:00
new zealand - The chances of finding the three mountaineers who are missing on Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, are dwindling day by day due to poor weather conditions.
The likelihood of rescuing the missing mountaineers on Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, is decreasing as each day passes. The search for the two Americans and one Canadian has been hindered by unfavorable weather conditions. Kurt Blair and Carlos Romero, along with an unknown Canadian, flew to Plateau Hut on Saturday morning with the intention of ascending the summit of the mountain.
However, the trio failed to return for their scheduled flight back. Consequently, a helicopter and a rescue team initiated a large-scale search, but had to halt their efforts swiftly due to the adverse weather conditions, as stated by New Zealand Police Chief Vicki Walker in a press release to CNN. On Tuesday, weather conditions remained unchanged.
Walker mentioned that climbing equipment believed to belong to the three mountaineers was discovered during the brief search operation. The authorities have notified the families of the latest developments. In a Facebook post, the Silverton Avalanche School expressed solidarity with their colleague Kurt Blair. It reads: "With heavy hearts, we share that our friend and colleague Kurt Blair is missing and presumed deceased while climbing Mt. Cook in New Zealand."
"We were informed by the New Zealand authorities that the climbers appear to have suffered a fatal fall from a significant height. The equipment found from the group indicates the isolated and technically challenging nature of the area. Coupled with deteriorating weather conditions, this proved fatal for the climbers."
The association fondly remembers Kurt Blair, stating, "Kurt was a beloved member of the San Juan mountains and hailed from a proud family of mountain adventurers. He was the kindest soul to venture with."
The summit of Mount Cook is a favored destination for seasoned climbers. The terrain is notoriously treacherous due to crevasses, avalanche risks, unpredictable weather, and glacier movements. Since the early 20th century, over 240 fatalities have been recorded on the mountain and in the surrounding national park.
Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, stands at 3724 meters and is part of the Southern Alps, the icy mountain range that spans the entire length of New Zealand's South Island. The peak is named after the English navigator James Cook, who discovered New Zealand. Its appellation was bestowed by Captain Stokes, the cartographer who charted the region.