A search and rescue operation was immediately initiated, with the Otago Lakes Search and Rescue and Heli Otago tasked with locating and rescuing both climbers. The weather was closing in and the chances of a successful rescue was diminishing rapidly. "This was a complex and dynamic operation where two lives were at risk," Sergeant Cranfield says. At about 1am, both climbers were successfully rescued by Heli Otago, with assistance from the Wakatipu LandSAR Alpine Cliff Rescue Team. Police would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue, including search and rescue personnel, alpine rescue specialists, Heli Otago Rescue and all those who contributed to the operation.