Updated media release: Couple safely rescued off Ball Pass Aoraki/Mt Cook today
10 January 2019
Update to original release
As of 1.04pm, the couple and all members of the DOC Search and Rescue Alpine Rescue team had safely returned by
helicopter to Bull Hutt Road and were then transferred by road to the Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Rescue base.
The couple were assessed by the medical team at the base and no further medical attention was required.
Original Release: Couple awaiting rescue off Ball Pass Aoraki/Mt Cook today
A couple in their 60s are currently awaiting rescue off Ball Pass Aoraki/Mt Cook after bad weather and severe exhaustion
meant they could not get themselves to safety, requiring the assistance of the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) and
staff from The Department of Conservation (DOC) alpine rescue team.
RCCNZ Manager Kevin Banaghan said that his team first received an alert from a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) at 2pm
yesterday that was located in the Ball Pass of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
“Due to unfavourable weather conditions a rescue helicopter was unable to reach the pair so a team of four cliff
rescuers were dropped at Caroline Hutt who were then able to climb up to them. They found the couple mentally and
physically exhausted having experienced a few falls. The decision was made to spend the night in the lee of the Ball
Pass,” said Mr Banaghan.
DOC Senior Ranger in charge of Search and Rescue and Recreation in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, David Dittmer, said
before exploring the Park, people should make sure they have the right safety equipment with them, which includes a PLB,
as well as adequate knowledge and experience.
“In this case, weather conditions got the better of this couple and they realised they could not get out without putting
themselves at greater risk.
“Thanks to the PLB alert, RCCNZ were able to let us know this couple was in difficulty and we quickly sent a team to
reach them yesterday.
“A helicopter is currently on standby in Aoraki/Mt Cook village waiting for a gap in the weather in order to reach the
couple and bring them back down to safety. The group may move to Caroline Hut if conditions allow,” said Mr Dittmer.
ENDS