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Rescuers have criticised the use of digital photographs of maps after a climber using one got into trouble on Franz Josef Glacier.
Sean Judd from Search and Rescue said Carlos Rameriez was climbing the glacier by himself when he lost his ice axe and had to leave the glacier to reach Almer Hut.
"This meant he had to climb a steep unstable section of rock in an attempt to reach the hut. He became 'bluffed' several times and was unable to do so, resulting in a night in the open," Mr Judd said.
He said Mr Rameriez then had to use the steep Goat Path and because of a lack of local knowledge, had to sleep in the open again.
Mr Rameriez had a radio and a cell phone with him and was able to send text messages on the first day but as he descended, lost coverage and could not use either.
"A search was initiated by the Franz Josef Glacier Guides with a helicopter and ground party. Rameriez has heard the helicopter and was able to use his radio to make contact," Mr Judd said.
He said using a photo of a map on an Mp3 player was dangerous because batteries "chew up" in about a quarter of the usual time in cold conditions.
"You can't see the detail and you can't use it in conjunction with a compass," Mr Judd said.
He said nothing was better than the traditional topographical map.
- NZHERALD STAFF
