Three Chinese Climbers Hit By Avalanche While Awaiting Rescue On Mount Taranaki
Mount Taranaki, New Zealand – On Sunday, September 11, 2016, three Chinese Nationals attempted to climb Mt. Taranaki on the North Island of New Zealand. They ascended above the Manganui Skifield to the Eastern Summit Track along “The Policeman” Route.
At approximately, 4:40 PM, authorities were notified that the climbers were in trouble and would not make it down by dark. Stuff.co.nz reports that the climbers used cell phones to contact relatives, who then notified authorities. NewsHub.co.nz reports that a skier in the area saw the three climbers and “raised the alarm.”
Either way, Taranaki Rescue Helicopter and Alpine Rescue teams responded to the scene by helicopter. While awaiting rescue, the climbers were caught in an avalanche. One potentially broke his arm and the others received minor injuries.
Rescuers landed on a ridge nearby and then traversed 40-45 degree slopes to reach the climbers, who spoke no English, at approximately 2000 meters. During this process, rescuers had to dodge falling rock and ice. By 8 PM, all parties had been rescued by helicopter off of the mountain. They were taken to Taranaki Base Hospital for treatment.
It is reported that all of the climbers had the appropriate gear, but potentially not the skills to be in the alpine terrain. Their climbing helmets were damaged by the debris, but saved them from serious injuries. They did not have avalanche transceivers. The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory reported the avalanche danger as considerable on Sunday.
Mount Taranaki is an active symmetrical stratovolcano on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is 2,518 meters high. It last erupted in 1854.
