(Tuesday, May 18).
Maritime NZ’s
Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ), the Department of
Conservation Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team and
Incident Management Team, and the Otago Rescue Helicopter
were jointly recognised for their efforts in rescuing two
climbers trapped near Copland Pass on 10 January
2020.
When the two climbers, who were stuck on a small
ledge and unprepared for a night in the open, activated
their distress beacon at 11pm, RCCNZ tasked the Aoraki Mount
Cook Alpine Rescue Team and the Otago Rescue Helicopter to
respond.
A significant weather front was imminent with
gale force winds, and rain and snow expected at high