Franz Josef Glacier - Climber rescued

On the 13th April 2008 at approximately 8.00am a search & rescue operation was commenced for an overdue climber in the Franz Josef Glacier area.

The climber, Carlos Rameriez, had ventured up the Franz Josef Glacier on the 11th April en-route to Almer Hut, when he lost his ice axe and was forced off the Glacier sooner than intended.

This meant he had to climb a steep unstable section of rock in an attempt to reach the hut. He became 'bluffed' several times and was unable to do so, resulting in a night in the open.

The following day he has tried to descend via the Goat Path, but this has proved to be too steep and his knowledge of the area being limited, has led to another night out in the open.

He was otherwise well equipped with a radio and cellular phone and was able to send several text messages on the first day, but as he descended he has entered an area with no coverage for either.

A search was initiated by the Franz Josef Glacier Guides with a helicopter and ground party. Rameriez has heard the helicopter and was able to use his radio to make contact.

He was flown back to Franz Josef, tired but otherwise okay.

'It was good that he had left clear intentions of his route with responsible people and that he had a radio with him, however it appears he has underestimated the terrain and being new to the area should have taken another more experienced climber with him'.

'He also used an Mp3 player to display a small photograph of a map which is not sufficient. These devices, including digital cameras do not replace the need for a good quality topographical map. This is the second time this year that photographs of maps have been used to navigate and have both times proved to be inadequate'