Near-tragedy on Ruapehu

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 431, 7 April 1992, Page 1

Near-tragedy on Ruapehu

A 24 year old German tourist narrowly escaped injury on Mt Ruapehu this weekend. Mr Andreas Wersch from Munich, left Iwikau village on Sunday morning with the intention of reaching Crater Lake. Weather conditions on the mountain were atrocious with strong to gale force winds, poor visibility and cold temperatures. Mr Wersch was not equipped with ice axe or crampons. When he did not return by Sunday evening, Mr Wersch's companion became concerned and alerted the duty ranger at Whakapapa. Due to the lateness in the day search and rescue personnel were unable to mount a search until first thing Monday morning. However, minutes before the rescue team and helicopter was due to leave for Dome Shelter where they knew the tourist was heading, Mr Wersch arrived at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. Turnpage 3

Near-tragedy on Ruapehu

From page 1 It appears that while climbing Mt Ruapehu on Sunday Mr Wersch became lost and rather than climbing to Crater Lake traversed the mountain dropping down on its north east side - some 13 kilometres in the wrong direction. He stayed Sunday night at Waihohonu Hut and, realising that a search could be mounted for him, rushed back to Whakapapa on Monday morning. Search co-ordinator Russell Montgomery, field centre manager for the Department of conservation at Whakapapa, said that Mr Wersch not only put his life at risk but had potentially risked the life of his rescuers by making an ill advised decision to climb the mountain in what were extremely undesirable conditions. "Alpine areas should be treated with utmost caution," Mr Montgomery said. "Anyone intending going into these areas should be well equipped and be able to handle the conditions they could meet. Many people don't realise the dangers involved in alpine regions," said Mr Montgomery. The winter conditions now prevailing on Mt Ruapehu mean that anyone tramping or climbing should be adequately equipped and experienced. Up to date weather and track information can be obtained from the Department of conservation's Whakapapa Visitor Centre.