Two New Zealand hikers trapped on Solomon Islands’ highest mountain
Two New Zealand hikers are stranded on Mt Popomanaseu in the Solomon Islands after severe weather and flooding rendered their exit route impassable. Their families are appealing to the New Zealand and Australian governments for rescue support as local resources are insufficient.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the logistical challenges of search and rescue operations in remote, high-risk terrain in the Pacific region.
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.
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