Story: Search and rescue

A mountain rescue

Members of the Aoraki/Mt Cook search and rescue team struggle to pull an injured Australian mountaineer from a crevasse. Justin McDonald fell 250 metres when his equipment failed during an abseil in December 2001. His friend Andrew Peacock raised the alarm. After a long rescue operation in treacherous conditions, McDonald was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital. Tragically, he died 15 minutes after being admitted to the intensive care unit.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, 'Search and rescue - Who needs search and rescue?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/13203/a-mountain-rescue (accessed 2 May 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 27 Jul 2023 with assistance from Dan Clearwater