A Canadian was among three climbers missing after planning to climb New Zealand’s highest peak.
A press release from New Zealand police said Americans Kurt Blair, 56, Carlos Romero, 50, and the unnamed Canadian flew to Plateau Hut on Saturday morning and were planning to summit Aoraki Peak, also known as Mount Cook.
But the statement says they did not keep their planned flight on Monday morning, and were reported late.
She says researchers found several climbing-related items believed to belong to the three men.
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Police say the name and any other information about the Canadian will not be provided until family notifications are confirmed.
The statement says weather conditions will likely prevent further search until Thursday, but police will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions.
“Police are working with the US and Canadian embassies to inform and support the families of the three men,” Inspector Vicky Walker, Aoraki District Commander, said in the statement.
Blair, from Colorado, and Romero, from California, are certified alpine guides, according to the American Mountain Guides Association website.
At 3,724 metres, Aoraki is part of the Southern Alps, a scenic glacial mountain range that runs the length of New Zealand’s South Island. The settlement with the same name at its base is a destination for local and foreign tourists.
The peak is very popular among experienced climbers. Its terrain is technically challenging due to crevasses, avalanche hazards, variable weather, and movement of glaciers.
More than 240 deaths have been recorded on the mountain and in the surrounding national park since the beginning of the 20th century.
– With files from AP
& Edition 2024 The Canadian Press
