In November 1982, two climbers Phil Doole and Mark Inglis were trapped on the summit ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook at over 3000 metres. Taking shelter in a sparse crevasse near the summit, unseasonal weather – storms and high winds – thwarted any rescue attempts when the pair were declared missing after five days.
Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.
Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.
Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision