Mt Aspiring rescue in Southern District, 5:00pm 27 Nov 2008

Wanaka Police and Alpine Cliff Rescue members from Land SAR in Wanaka responded to a distress call to day for climbers on Mount Aspiring.
Sergeant Aaron Nicholson SAR Coordinator from Wanaka said that two local men were climbing the South West Ridge earlier today when at about 11.40 am one fell from just under the South West Couloir.
Sergeant Nicholson said there was a lot of climbing activity on Mt Aspiring that morning with excellent climbing conditions and good weather.
An Alpine Cliff Rescue team flew to the site and used a long line to strop the deceased climbing partner off the South West ridge 200 metres from the summit.
The deceased was located at the base of the South West face and was deceased on the team's arrival. He had fallen approximately 600-800 metres.
Nicholson said Police have not yet contacted the Next of Kin so the deceased name could not be released. However he is a 48yr old male living and working in Wanaka.
The matter has been referred to the Coroner for investigation in due course.