RESCUE AT MT COOK
New Zealand Police National News Release
12:59pm 20 January 2006
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/2259.php

A man is in a serious condition at the Mt Cook Emergency Centre after being airlifted out after a fall this morning.

Police were notified at 10.30am that a male climber had slipped from near the summit of Mt cook and fallen to about 11,700 feet.

The rescue helicopter with one Alpine Rescue team member, managed to land a skip beside the injured climber. He is now being treated at the Mt Cook Emergency centre where he is described as having serious injuries. He will be transported to Christchurch by Westpac Rescue helicopter.

There are no details as yet as to his identity or nationality.

"It was a difficult rescue given the strong breeze and the height it took place at," says Senior Constable Brent Swanson of Twizel Police. "The man's two climbing companions are making their way to Plateau hut which they should reach this evening. There are a number of other climbers and guides in the area."

ENDS

© Scoop Media