RI climbers rescued from Mt. Cook

RI climbers rescued from Mt. Cook

WELLINGTON: A group of Indonesians had to be rescued from Aoraki-Mount Cook on the South Island of New Zealand on Monday after earlier ignoring advice not to attempt the climb because of their lack of experience.

The nine were airlifted off New Zealand's highest peak after being persuaded not to continue.

Inspector Dave Gaskin, area commander of Mid-South Canterbury police, said the actions of the Indonesians "can only be described as foolish".

The group began their climb last Monday. They were expected to reach the Haast Hut the following day but did not get there until late Saturday afternoon just as a search operation was being mounted.

Gaskin said it was "extremely disappointing" the party ignored advice given to them and "it was only luck that none of the climbers had come to harm.

"What is more of a concern is the danger that is caused to rescue teams having to rescue people who have come to grief through over-estimating their ability," he said in a statement.

The nine are members of an expedition sponsored by an Indonesian University and although they had been training for a year none had experience of climbing on snow and ice. -- AFP