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Two climbers who were stranded on a steep mountainside for three nights have been rescued in “remarkable” circumstances.
After two unsuccessful rescue attempts over two days because of severe weather, rescue staff managed to retrieve the two experienced climbers from a precarious mountainside near Sabre Peak in Fiordland NationalPark this morning.
About 4.30pm on Wednesday, a personal locator beacon (PLB) was activated in the Sabre Peak area.
A Southern Lakes Helicopter was dispatched but because of heavy rain and low cloud a rescue was unable to be carried out.
The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) passed information to police to launch a search and rescue operation.
Sergeant Dougall Henderson, Southland search and rescue co-ordinator, said police maintained contact with the climbers via satellite, keeping them updated with rescue efforts.
Two climbers await rescue on a mountainside near Sabre Peak. Photo / Southern Lakes Helicopters
It was third time lucky for the climbers as rescue staff were able to rescue them this morning.
“About 7am today the Southern Lakes Helicopter crew successfully located the climbers and carried out a 100ft [30m] long-line extraction from the mountainside,” Henderson said.
“Their survival is remarkable. They had been stranded on the steep mountainside for three nights, sheltering in a two-person bivvy and sleeping bags, which became saturated during prolonged exposure to severe weather.
“They had run out of food and believed they would not have survived another night on the mountain.”
Both climbers were checked by a doctor on board the helicopter and transported to Te Anau for further medical assessment.
Henderson said the outcome highlighted good decision-making by the climbers and the challenges faced by rescue services in alpine environments.
“The climbers made the right decision to activate their beacon early and remain in place once the weather deteriorated,” he said.
“They were well-equipped and they communicated clearly using satellite messaging, and that allowed rescuers to make informed decisions while waiting for a safe weather window.
“This was also an outstanding effort by the helicopter crew, operating in an extreme and unforgiving alpine environment. Their ability to safely locate and extract the climbers using a long-line technique prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome.”
Police said the incident was a timely reminder of the unpredictability of Fiordland weather and the limitations of rescue operations in mountainous terrain.
“Even when help is on the way, adverse weather can delay rescue efforts,” Henderson said.
“People heading into alpine or remote areas need to plan conservatively, monitor forecasts closely and carry appropriate emergency equipment – including a PLB or satellite communication device, or both.”
Police encourage anyone venturing into remote or alpine environments to leave their intentions with a trusted person, check weather conditions in advance, and be prepared to delay or abandon plans if conditions deteriorate.
