Rescuers in New Zealand have officially called off their search for an Australian and two other climbers who are presumed dead after going missing on Mount Cook.
Sydney doctor Michael Bishop, 53, was last seen with German climbers Johan and Raphael Viellehner on Linda Glacier last Monday.
The three-man party had been climbing to the summit of Mt Cook, which is New Zealand’s highest mountain, when the weather began to deteriorate.
The men were roped together when they set off for the summit but failed to return to their hut that day.
New Zealand police said on Thursday it was presumed the climbers died on the mountain, and it was suspected they may have fallen into a crevasse.
Strong winds and poor conditions had hampered the search and rescue efforts.
Police said the families of the men were upset the search had stopped, but said they would re-evaluate their plans if they received any new information or sightings.
Dr Bishop’s son Joshua said the men did not have enough gear to survive multiple nights on the mountain.
“It’s a big likelihood that they’ve come across tragedy … it’s been a fall or an avalanche or they’ve been buried somewhere. That seems like the most likely situation now,” he said.
Christian charity organisation Ascent to Life called for support and prayers for Dr Bishop on Facebook, saying he was a pastor and founder of the ministry.
“Thank you for your continuous prayers for our brother Dr Bishop and his two climber friends at Mt Cook,” one of the posts said.