United States: Two Americans and with them a Canadian who went missing while attempting to climb New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook (Aoraki), are now believed to be dead. The three climbers — Kurt Blair, 56, Carlos Romero, 50, and the Canadian — were reported overdue earlier this week after they failed to return from their planned ascent. On Friday, local police announced that search efforts had been suspended, and the climbers are presumed to have tragically lost their lives.
“We do not believe the men have survived,” Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said on Friday, pointing out that the police are convinced the men have perished in a fall.
Three climbers flew to the region on 30 November with plans to ascend the 3724-meter-high alpine peak via Zurbriggen Ridge and were reported overdue to meet a scheduled flight out of the area on Monday morning, said New Zealand police on Tuesday.
A helicopter and search-and-rescue personnel started searching for the three but mostly due to unfavorable weather this week the search had been restricted, said Walker.
As reported by the CNN, Other articles thought to have been left by the men were picked in the course of the week; these included a jacket and an ice ax; other climbing paraphernalia was found on Friday, added the Walker.
Police said footprints and other signs were detected where they think the climbers started moving across slopes below the Zurbriggen Ridge.
CNN’s reporters have asked the US and Canadian missions in New Zealand about more details.
Blair and Romero have reputable certification in skiing, alpine and rock climbing from the AMGA. Blair resides in Durango, Colorado and Romero resides in Livermore, California.
Mount Cook was given its European name in 1851 and there are numerous tracks and attractions for even the most energetic tourist.
Walker pointed out that police ‘stick in readiness to continue the search should something new and credible surface or new sightings be reported.’