Two climbers have been plucked from the Bryant Glacier, near Kinloch, after becoming disoriented in low cloud.
A 23-year-old Australian national and Department of Conservation employee and a 32-year-old Chilean man were airlifted from the glacier by strop about 3pm yesterday, five hours after activating an Epirb (emergency position indicating radio beacon).
Senior Constable Julian Cahill, of Queenstown, said an aerial search for the pair yesterday morning was unsuccessful because of low cloud, prompting the deployment of the Alpine Cliff Rescue Team.
The pair were then seen at their tent from the helicopter carrying the team into the area, and were airlifted immediately.
They had become disorientated during an unsuccessful attempt to climb Mt Bonpland on Sunday, he said.
- Guy Williams
