Two climbers have perished on Aoraki Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, after falling near the summit. The bodies of the two deceased climbers have been discovered, and specialist search teams were working tirelessly to recover them from a challenging alpine environment.
Four climbers had sought help on the mountain last night, with local authorities alerted to the situation. Two of the climbers were rescued by helicopter in the early hours of Tuesday morning, while their injuries proved minor.
The search for the other two climbers continued late into the night, but unfortunately, they were found dead. The incident has left the climbing community reeling, as it is not uncommon for fatalities on Aoraki's treacherous terrain.
Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3,724 meters tall, is a formidable peak that demands the expertise of experienced climbers due to its crevasses, avalanche risks, and unpredictable weather. The mountain has claimed over 240 lives since the start of the 20th century, with many more believed to have met their demise without being found.
Tragically, three American climbers who were missing on Aoraki in December went unlocated for five days before it was confirmed they had fallen to their deaths. Although their remains have not been recovered, discoveries of personal belongings suggested this outcome. The experience highlights the risks involved in climbing such a challenging peak, even with extensive expertise.
Four climbers had sought help on the mountain last night, with local authorities alerted to the situation. Two of the climbers were rescued by helicopter in the early hours of Tuesday morning, while their injuries proved minor.
The search for the other two climbers continued late into the night, but unfortunately, they were found dead. The incident has left the climbing community reeling, as it is not uncommon for fatalities on Aoraki's treacherous terrain.
Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3,724 meters tall, is a formidable peak that demands the expertise of experienced climbers due to its crevasses, avalanche risks, and unpredictable weather. The mountain has claimed over 240 lives since the start of the 20th century, with many more believed to have met their demise without being found.
Tragically, three American climbers who were missing on Aoraki in December went unlocated for five days before it was confirmed they had fallen to their deaths. Although their remains have not been recovered, discoveries of personal belongings suggested this outcome. The experience highlights the risks involved in climbing such a challenging peak, even with extensive expertise.
just heard about the tragic accident on Aoraki Mount Cook 
and it's really getting me thinking about safety protocols for climbers here. I mean, 240 lives lost already? It's insane! 
The fact that 4 climbers were out there last night and only 2 made it back with minor injuries is just heartbreaking 
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And what's really worrying me is that 3 American climbers went missing in December and took 5 days to find out they'd fallen to their deaths... that's just unacceptable 
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. We need to look out for each other and make sure everyone who climbs this mountain is prepared for what they're getting themselves into 
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I feel for those 2 climbers and their families, must've been super stressful for them too 
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. You gotta have to be super prepared and aware of your surroundings when tackling peaks like that.
240+ lives lost since the start of the century is crazy, I can imagine how scary that must be for the other climbers who were rescued last night 
but we should all remember to respect the mountain and its power, it's not a game or a challenge #climbingcommunity #mountainlove
Like, are we all trying to out-do each other in a game of "Who Can Die the Fastest"? 
And don't even get me started on those crevasses - it's like Mother Nature is just playing some sick horror movie over there... "Creep through this mountain, die, repeat" 
I swear, if I ever see someone wearing an Aoraki Mount Cook t-shirt with a smile, I'm gonna lose it. 
i feel bad for the families of the two people who passed away... did they at least get rescued in time from the other climbers who were okay? 
i was just thinking about climbing a mountain like that once, but my parents were all "no way" 
just got outta the mountains myself last week and I was thinkin we were good 2 c climb Aoraki Mount Cook. But for those two climbers who didn't make it... I mean, 3k+ meters is NO JOKE 
. I'm still gettin used to that new VR backpack I got - totally changed the way I explore virtual mountains 
. Anyway, these fatalities always leave me thinkin about how important proper training and expertise r when it comes 2 mountaineering. You can never be too careful, especially with those crevasses & avalanche risks 
. Can't wait 2 try out this new portable stove I got - heard it's gonna revolutionize camping gear 
That mountain has claimed so many lives already, over 240! And the thought of those last two guys being out there for days, struggling to stay alive... *sigh* 
It just breaks my heart. I've been lucky enough to go climbing a few times and it's an exhilarating experience, but you can never take those risks lightly. The search teams must've worked so hard to recover their bodies 
. I'm gonna go grab a cuppa and try to process this...
anyway, to all the climbers out there, if you're thinking of taking on Aoraki, make sure you're REALLY prepared