Queenstown Alpine Rescue Team leader Jono Gillan and three other volunteers took part earlier this week in a five-hour operation to rescue two of the Lakes District’s young climbers who faced troubles at Sabre Peak in the Darran Mountains.
The place was considered New Zealand’s classic alpine rock climbing mecca due to the complex range of peaks and vertical walls.
However, it also known by its risk — two men lost their lives in 2017 and another two climbers died while climbing in the area in early 2020.
Mr Gillan said the rescued pair were experienced climbers.
They climbed to the top of the peak on Monday with no issues but when they were abseiling down, they got stuck.
"This is a situation that just happens. It can happen with experienced climbers. It is a bit of bad luck."
When it started to get dark, the pair decided to stay overnight on a tiny ledge, he said.
"It was very small. It wouldn’t be that great to spend the night there but they made the right decision.
"The pair were well-prepared and with overnight equipment."
On Tuesday, about 8am, the pair sent an SOS alert to the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) via a satellite emergency device.
The four volunteers, a pilot and crew member from Southern Lakes Helicopters flew to Lake Adelaide where they assessed the risks and came up with a plan to use a 60m long-line to complete the rescue.
Mr Gillan was the first volunteer to be flown to the ledge where the pair were located.
After securing the area, the helicopter returned from the lake with another volunteer who rescued the first climber and then a third volunteer was flown to retrieve the second one, he said.
Only after both of them were on the ground, did the helicopter return to take Mr Gillan away.
After the rescue, the pair were in good spirits despite being dehydrated. They were uninjured.
"They weren’t in distress. They were obviously relieved — it must have been pretty harrowing to sit on the ledge overnight. The rescue ran very smoothly and effectively but very technical in nature.
"Despite being a challenging operation, it was one that we were well-equipped to dealt with," Mr Gillan said
He was pleased with the outcome, but highlighted the seriousness of the situation.
He said the good co-operation between the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Queenstown police, the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team, Southern Lakes Helicopters and the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust led to the successful operation.
"It is a serious and very risky peak. People need to be mindful and careful there but I applaud their decision to stay put and ask for help."
Having the right equipment and knowing when and how to use it was so important when attempting high risk activities, he said.
