Falling rock saves climber as two companions die

A falling rock saved the life of a Japanese climber whose two companions fell to their deaths on Mt Cook last night.

The bodies of a 53-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were recovered this morning after they fell some 450-500m onto the Upper Linda Ice Shelf about 9pm yesterday.

Police said today it appeared a rock the three climbers were anchored to gave way as they abseiled down the mountain.

A falling rock sliced off the survivor's strap, separating him from his companions and saving him from being pulled down with them.

The 28-year-old male survivor immediately descended to call for help and raised the alarm at the Plateau Hut about 1am.

Constable Carl Pedersen, of Twizel police, said the survivor was traumatised and helping police with their investigation at Mt Cook village.

The three climbers were members of a Japanese climbing club and had known each other for about four years.

Members of the Department of Conservation Alpine Rescue Team located the two bodies on the Upper Linda Ice Shelf at an altitude of about 3500m this morning.

They were taken to Mt Cook village and were expected to be removed to Timaru for post mortems later today.

Police said the identities of the dead climbers would not be released until next of kin in Japan had been informed.

- NZPA