The actions of the nine Indonesian climbers airlifted out of the Mount Cook National Park can only be described as foolish said Inspector Dave Gaskin, Area Commander of the Mid-South Canterbury Police.
The party was airlifted back to Mount Cook Village from Haast Hut after they had been persuaded to abandon a proposed climb on Aoraki Mt Cook. The party had begun their climb last Monday and were expected to reach the hut by the Tuesday afternoon. They had finally reached Haast Hut late Saturday afternoon as a search operation was beginning.
The group had spoken to Guides, Mountaineers and DOC staff about conditions in the Park. They were questioned as to whether their level of ability was sufficient to complete a successful climb of Aoraki Mt Cook and alternatives were put forward.
The group who are members of an expedition sponsored by an Indonesian University have been training for a year but none of the climbers have had previous experience of climbing on snow and ice.
Liaison between the Police and members of the Indonesian Embassy has facilitated a safe resolution to this incident and I thank them for the work they have undertaken Inspector Gaskin said.
Efforts to move the climbers out of the area by helicopter on Sunday failed due to high winds in the area.
It is extremely disappointing that the party did not heed advice given. It was only luck that none of the climbers had come to harm Inspector Gaskin said. What is more of a concern is the danger that is caused to rescue teams having to rescue people who have come to grief through over-estimating their ability.
The mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, like others in New Zealand, are extremely beautiful but they are unforgiving. Before undertaking climbing trips I urge parties to contact the DOC office at the visitor centre and seek accurate and up to date advice on both conditions and routes.
D.H.Gaskin, Area Commander, Mid-South Canterbury