Climbers’ bodies to remain on mountain overnight
The bodies of two men who died climbing Taranaki Maunga on Tuesday will remain on the mountain overnight.
Police said due to the conditions yesterday attempts to retrieve the bodies were unsuccessful and the recovery operation would resume again today.
Police were first notified about 10pm on Tuesday that a climber had fallen near the summit of the maunga, the second highest in the North Island.
A search and rescue operation began and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was dispatched. Police found the bodies of two climbers just after midnight. But due to the conditions overnight, the bodies could not be recovered.
Officers and Alpine Cliff Rescue staff then spent much of yesterday on the mountain attempting a recovery and conducting a scene examination, but they were unsuccessful and all were off the maunga by 5pm.
Stuff understands both men were Christchurch based and worked for Tonkin & Taylor, an environmental and engineering consultancy.
It is understood the two men were in Taranaki for work, but the climb was not work related.
Tonkin & Taylor managing director Dr Tim Fisher said the company was notified by police yesterday morning that two of its ‘‘treasured staff’’ members had been involved in a climbing incident.
‘‘Our priority right now is to support their families and our people as we deal with this incredibly sad news,’’ he said.
‘‘We would like to thank Taranaki police and search and rescue for their service and support.’’
A statement read: ‘‘Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and efforts are being made to identify the two people involved.’’
Tramper and search and rescue member Jack Osephius had been on Taranaki Maunga overnight on Tuesday and said the weather was ‘‘perfect’’.
Osephius was returning from his own overnight stay when he received a notification asking if he could be on standby to help retrieve two bodies.
He was near Tahurangi Lodge, about 1500 metres above sea level on the north side of the maunga, and offered his assistance, which was not needed.
‘‘It’s all in the hands of police,’’ he said.
Osephius said he understood the incident happened near Syme Hut, which is on Panitahi, or Fanthams Peak, at an elevation of 1940 metres and about 500m from the summit.
‘‘The weather was good, but it’s frosty up there.’’