Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated, "After reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, no communication, the items we have retrieved, and our reconnaissance today, we do not believe the men have survived. We believe they have taken a fall." This underscores the dire situation and the probable fate of the climbers, while stating that further evidence could lead to resuming the search.
The climbers, Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, of California, were experienced alpine guides certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. Their expertise adds a tragic layer to the incident, highlighting the risks even seasoned professionals face in extreme conditions.
Authorities indicated that the search was prolonged by challenging weather conditions, which left search teams unable to reach certain areas. The treacherous conditions underscore the inherent dangers faced by climbers in remote and extreme terrains, especially in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
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