NZ hikers trapped for four days on Solomon Islands' highest mountain
Two young New Zealanders are trapped on the highest mountain in the Solomon Islands.
Keanu Isaksson, 25, and Luca Zylstra-Law, 19, were hiking Mt Popomanaseu before the weather turned, on their way down from the summit, trapping the pair in a remote ravine.
Torrential rainfall has caused severe flooding and landslides, rendering their exit route impassable, their mothers told the Herald.
They are currently confined to a high-risk area known for dangerous rockfalls.
Isaksson and Law, both experienced hikers, have been stuck on the 2335m tall mountain for four days, Zylstra-Law’s mother Tanja Zylstra said.
They have enough supplies for now, but the weather is not expected to improve any time soon, leaving their parents feeling “terrible”.
“We’re extremely worried... you feel helpless. There’s nothing you can do,” Zylstra said.
Mt Popomanaseu is the highest mountain in the Solomon Islands. Photo / Google Earth
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service is forecasting showers, isolated thunderstorms and strong winds for the Guadalcanal Province, where the mountain is located.
May to October is the dry season in the country.
Zylstra and Isaksson’s mother, Denise Holl, have kept in contact with their sons with a few messages, as that is all the trampers can manage to send.
“We’ve just, you know, told them to stay put.
“They can’t go anywhere anyway. So they’re basically just holed up trying to, you know, stay dry and just trying to survive”, Zylstra said.
From the minimal contact they have had with their children, they sound desperate to be rescued, she added.
Luca Zylstra-Law and Keanu Isaksson have been stuck on Mt Popomanaseu in the Solomon Islands for four days.
The stranded hikers have contacted the rescue helicopter in the Solomon Islands, but resources in the country are limited.
The helicopter cannot land on the steep terrain, and it does not have a winch to get them out.
Zylstra and Holl have “exhausted all standard diplomatic and local channels” and are now appealing to the New Zealand and Australian governments to provide support.
“They’re [local authorities] doing what they can but they just need sources to come in from Australia or New Zealand... people who are experienced enough to go in and retrieve them.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the families of two New Zealanders in the Solomon Islands.
‘In love with the planet’
Isaksson and Zylstra-Law grew up together as neighbours in Matakana, north of Auckland, and shared a love for the outdoors.
They travelled to the Solomon Islands to go on a hiking expedition on the mountain, on which they are now trapped.
“They’re both kids that are, really in love with the planet,” Holl said.
New Zealanders Luca Zylstra-Law (19) and Keanu Isaksson (25) are trapped on the highest peak in the Solomon Islands.
The pair researched the local flora and fauna before departing, and hoped to find rare plants and animals on their trip.
“Basically they, they love tramping and trekking and have both done extensive treks and tramps throughout New Zealand,” Zylstra said.
Hearing that they needed rescue was the last thing the mothers expected to hear, given their wilderness experience, she said.
Emergency services can see the hikers’ exact location through their locator beacon.
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