"Search for Mt Taranaki climbers becomes a rescue and recovery operation "

The search for the two missing climbers on Mt Taranaki has now turned into a rescue and recovery operation. Search teams spent the night on the mountain at altitude trying to locate the two missing climbers.

Their efforts were significantly hampered by the conditions and they were forced to return to the forward staging area at Tahurangi Lodge at 0400 hrs. Area Commander, Inspector Blair Telford says "A fresh search team was deployed at approximately 0330 hrs and reached the two climbers at 0730 hrs. Unfortunately, one of the climbers had passed away during the night. All efforts are now focused on getting the surviving climber off the mountain and on providing further medical assistance. "

The deceased is a 31 year old male.

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