Three experienced mountaineers, two Americans and one Canadian, are missing after attempting to summit Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, local police reported on Monday. Harsh weather conditions have hampered search and rescue efforts, delaying further attempts to locate the climbers.
The missing individuals, identified as Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, both from the United States, and an unnamed Canadian climber, failed to meet a scheduled charter flight Monday morning after their weekend ascent.
Lost on Aoraki
The climbers began their journey Saturday, flying to a remote hut on Mount Cook — known by its Māori name, Aoraki — to start their climb. Standing at approximately 12,000 feet, Aoraki is a prominent destination in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, attracting adventurers worldwide.
Police Commander Vicki Walker confirmed that search teams discovered climbing gear believed to belong to the missing trio during initial rescue attempts. However, worsening weather forced search operations to pause, and conditions are not expected to improve until at least Thursday.
“The severe weather conditions, including gale-force winds and icy rain, pose significant risks for both the missing climbers and the search teams,” Walker said in a statement.
Weather Turns Deadly
Although New Zealand’s MetService had not issued weather hazard warnings for Mount Cook over the weekend, forecasts on Monday and Tuesday included alerts for gale-force winds, heavy rain, and a dangerous wind chill, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Severe gales are expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday.
David Miller, a meteorologist with MetService, emphasized the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns in alpine regions like the Southern Alps, which can shift dramatically within hours.
Experienced Climbers, Difficult Terrain
The two Americans were certified guides with expertise in skiing, alpine climbing, and rock climbing, according to the American Mountain Guides Association. Their high level of experience underscores the unpredictable challenges posed by Mount Cook, a mountain known for its icy conditions, sheer cliffs, and sudden weather changes.
Mount Cook has a storied history of climbing achievements and tragedies, with its combination of stunning vistas and perilous conditions drawing mountaineers from around the world.
Hopes and Challenges
Rescuers remain cautiously optimistic, though time is a critical factor. “We are doing everything possible to prepare for the moment conditions allow us to resume the search,” Walker said. “The safety of our teams remains a top priority.”
The families of the missing climbers have been notified, but they have not made public statements. As the search continues, the climbing community and locals alike are hoping for a safe outcome.
This incident highlights both the allure and the dangers of mountaineering in New Zealand’s iconic alpine landscapes, where even the most seasoned adventurers can face nature’s unforgiving power.
