Marian Peak (2,102m) , New Zealand - mountaineering, lead fall



New Zealand Alpine Team members Conor Smith (22) and Sarwan Chand (27) died in a fall in the Darran Mountains in Fiordland National Park. Their bodies were found on Monday evening.

The duo were believed to be attempting a challenging route on the south face of Marian Peak in the Darran Mountains, a popular area for advanced climbers.

A search was launched when they were reported 24 hours overdue.

Their bodies were seen from a helicopter at the base of a climbing face on Monday evening and recovered the next day.

A post on the team's website said it appeared to be a ''factor two lead fall''.

That means the lead climber fell a whole length of rope down to the belayer and then continued to fall the same distance below, at which point both men were pulled off the wall.


Climbing fraternity devastated by double loss




Location: Darran Mountains, Southland 9679, New Zealand

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