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The 11-Feb-2009 At 8:31:37 PM IdratherbeclimbingM9

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On 11/02/2009 Lucas Trihey wrote:
>
>>I understand there was an incident a few decades ago where a climber fell on the Three Sisters (seconding?) and their rope cut through and he fell to his death. I am
>assuming this was on an old style hemp rope though.
>
>Simey - I hadn't heard about that one - but about 20 years ago there was
>the scout traversing off the west wall around to the bridge who fell off (he was on the wrong ledge system which petered out in a blankish wall). his belayer was a novice and was using a shoulder belay of some sort and he couldn't hold the fall and the rope flipped over his shoulders as he was pulled forward. the climber fell all the way to the handrail on the walking track about 80m below and was killed.
>But I'll ask around if there was a cutting accident earlier.
>Lucas

A Guide To The Three Sisters Katoomba - by Roger Z.A. Collison. 1987 ISBN 0 9587835 0 0.

Page 9. ~ A Note Of Caution.
Excerpt ...
It is timely to remember that there have been three deaths on the Three Sisters, and the way these climbers died is a salutary warning even to the experienced climber.

In March 1961 Barry Willis was held after falling, but the rope cut through as he pendulumed from side to side. In his memory, a cross has been erected at the back of the First Sister. Barry was a highly respected member of the S.R.C. and held the position of Secretary in the Club.

The second death was of a relatively inexperienced climber from New Zealand; and the third man to die was also comparitively inexperienced. He fell from the Tourist Traverse and his belay failed. Both these last two incidents emphasize the importance of climbing with competent people. If you are inexperienced, learn first from a professional guide or with a club.