American Climbers Missing on New Zealand’s Mount Cook, Weather Hampering Search
Anxiety mounts as three experienced climbers – two Americans and a Canadian – remain unaccounted for after attempting to summit New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook (known locally as Aoraki). Officials report that the trio, Kurt Blair, 56, Carlos Romero, 50, and an unnamed Canadian national, were scheduled to return from their Zurbriggen Ridge ascent on Monday morning but failed to do so.
"We’re facing a serious situation,” said Aoraki area commander Inspector Vicki Walker. “They flew into the area on Saturday and were planning to summit the 12,218-foot alpine mountain…they were due back on Monday morning, but haven’t been seen or heard from since.”
Walker further stated, “Police have been working with the US and Canadian embassies to inform and support the families of the three men.”
A helicopter and search and rescue teams were immediately deployed but were forced to suspend operations due to harsh weather conditions on the imposing mountain.
“Due to weather conditions on the mountain, that search unfortunately had to pause,” Walker explained.
The challenging weather continued to plague rescue efforts on Tuesday, with authorities forced to postpone the resumption of the operation until Thursday when improved conditions are expected.
Adding a glimmer of hope, authorities did discover several climbing-related items believed to belong to the missing climbers during their brief search window on Monday.
Both Blair and Romero are certified guides with the American Mountain Guides Association. Blair calls Durango, Colorado home while Romero resides in Livermore, California. The third climber’s identity remains undisclosed until family is notified.
"Aoraki, known globally as Mount Cook, is a majestic peak attracting adventurers of all skill levels to its numerous trails and stunning alpine vistas.
CNN’s Kia Fatahi contributed to this report.
