Canterbury Police can confirm they are now leading a SAR recovery operation to retrieve the body of the climber, a Canterbury man, who was reported to have fallen on the north side of the east ridge of Aoraki Mt Cook this morning (13 December 2014).
The death has been referred to the Coroner. No details of the deceased will be released until formal identification has taken place and next of kin are fully informed.
A police investigation has commenced into the fatal incident.
Four experienced climbers from the Canterbury region are understood to have set out from Plateau Hut early this morning climb the east ridge of Aoraki Mt Cook. They left details of their trip with friends and the visitors centre at Mt Cook village and are reported to have been fully equipped for the conditions. The weather at their location is understood to have been relatively clear as they were above cloud level.
The three uninjured members of the climbing party have returned to Plateau Hut to be picked up by a Heli Line Helicopter.
“This is a tragic start to the climbing season and our thoughts go out to the friends and family of the climber and the other members of his climbing party. The east ridge of Aoraki Mt Cook is an extreme climbing area. The group of climbers were very experienced and were well prepared and had planned their trip in advance. Unfortunately very rare incidents such as this occur from time to time.” said Canterbury Rural Area Commander (Mid South), Inspector Dave Gaskin.
One of the climbers radioed for help at approximately 7.30am this morning after one of the group fell while traversing the east ridge. SAR personnel from Aoraki Alpine Rescue Team were flown by Heli Line Helicopters to a location near Katies Col to establish a staging area shortly before 10am.
The SAR rescue team are being brought back to the Mt Cook Emergency Centre where planning for the recovery operation is underway.
The weather in Mt Cook village is improving with scattered cloud clearing. The recovery site is understood to be above cloud level and in clear conditions.
Canterbury Police confirm the recovery will take place as soon as it is practical to do so.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404