Overview

• Hikers discovered the bodies near Cleve Cole Hut at Lendenfeld Point around 12:50 p.m. Friday, triggering an alpine recovery operation.
• Rescuers trekked to the exposed site, stayed overnight due to weather, and airlifted the remains by helicopter on Saturday morning.
• Police believe the women were in their 20s or 30s and possibly visiting from overseas, with identities still unconfirmed as DFAT assists with next-of-kin tracing.
• Investigators do not suspect foul play, citing recent lows near −2.8°C, winds up to about 83 km/h, and blizzard conditions in the area.
• Officers estimate the pair may have been at the location for two to three days before being found, and the coroner now has the remains.