Two Climbers Die in Fall Near Mount Cook Summit

Two experienced climbers, including a respected New Zealand mountain guide, died after falling near the summit of Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, late on Monday. The incident occurred on the west ridge during a guided ascent in the Southern Alps on the South Island, prompting a multi-agency rescue operation that saved the other two members of the group.

Authorities received an alert around 11:20 p.m. local time that four climbers needed assistance while attempting the challenging climb from Empress Hut toward the 3,724-meter summit. The group consisted of two guides and two clients, roped together in pairs for safety. One pair, led by the guide and his American client, fell in the steep, glaciated terrain. The other pair, comprising a second New Zealand guide and his client, remained uninjured.

Rescue teams sprang into action overnight. A helicopter from Queenstown transported the Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue team to the area, while another from Dunedin conducted immediate searches. The uninjured climbers were located and airlifted to safety around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday. Helicopters continued scouring the mountain through the early hours under calm, clear...