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A Livermore man has been confirmed as one of three missing climbers in New Zealand after attempting to summit Aoraki Mount Cook, the country’s highest mountain.
New Zealand authorities initially issued a press release about the climbers’ disappearance on Monday after launching a search to find them when they failed to make their flight at the expected time.
“The climbers were due to complete their climb at 8.30am today but did not meet their prearranged transport. A missing persons report was made to Police at 12.45pm today,” Monday’s statement reads.
Two of the missing men were later identified in a separate release issued by Aoraki Police Cmdr. Vicki Walker as 50-year-old Carlos Romero of Livermore and 56-year-old Kurt Blair. The third man was only identified as a Canadian national, his name withheld by authorities to respect family wishes.
Romero, who goes by the nickname “Kique”, works for a Mount Shasta-based climbing expedition company called SWS Mountain Guides. While the Aoraki Mount Cook climb was not a work-related endeavor, the company wrote about Romero’s disappearance in a heartfelt Facebook post, noting that the “situation remains grim” as authorities continue their search amid severe weather conditions.
The post praises Romero as a “beloved guide, educator, and mentor” and “an integral part” of the company.
“Our hearts are with their families, friends, and the climbing community as we await further updates. We continue to hope for clarity and hold Kique close in our thoughts,” the post reads.
In more recent updates, New Zealand police have shared that extreme weather has hindered their search progress. During the initial search, several-climbing related items were located, which are believed to belong to the three men.
Rescue teams have not been able to resume since then, according to online updates from police, but are continuing to assess and monitor the conditions.
Walker praised those who have been involved in the search thus far, traversing the difficult terrain of the mountain.
“I want to acknowledge the work so far of those involved in the search, including the Department of Conservation (DoC) Search and Rescue Team, The Helicopter Line, and Police Search and Rescue,” she said.
The latest police update notes that they will attempt to continue the search as weather permits.
