Two rescues in Tasmania prompt police to urge bushwalkers to carry communication devices
Quick Look
- Two separate rescues in Tasmania involving the Westpac Rescue Helicopter have led police to urge bushwalkers to carry communication devices.
- A 62-year-old man from New South Wales slipped 10 metres on a coastal track at Dennes Point on North Bruny Island but was uninjured and rescued after contacting emergency services by mobile phone.
- In a second incident, a 44-year-old man became ill on the Tyndall Range and was rescued after his group activated a personal locator beacon.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tasmania's rugged terrain, including coastal tracks and remote ranges like the Tyndall Range, poses risks to bushwalkers due to unstable ground, sudden weather changes, and limited access. Police and rescue services frequently respond to incidents involving falls, injuries, or illness in these areas, often relying on helicopters for rapid extraction.
Two separate rescues involving Tasmania's rescue helicopter has prompted police to urge bushwalkers to carry communications devices when out and about.
A 62-year-old man from New South Wales has had what police described as a "lucky" escape from a cliff fall in southern Tasmania.
The man was walking alone on a track at Dennes Point on North Bruny Island on Saturday morning when he fell over and slipped about 10 metres down a steep hill towards the water.
Police said the man, who was not injured in the incident, contacted emergency services by mobile phone about 10:30am, with police attending the scene shortly afterwards.
A specialist police roping team was sent to the scene in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, with the man rescued about 1pm.
Senior Constable Callum Herbert, from Search and Rescue, said the man had slipped about 10 metres down an unstable slope at the edge of a coastal track.
"A sensible decision was made to contact emergency services as in this case an attempt to self-rescue may have resulted in him falling further and could have had a catastrophic outcome.
"I remind all walkers to carry a charged mobile phone with them, no matter if the walk is only a short distance and also to remain vigilant around coastal areas, as the ground can be unstable due to loose vegetation and gravel."
Walkers activate beacon for rescue
In a separate incident on Saturday, a 44-year-old man was rescued from the Tyndall Range on Tasmania's west coast after becoming ill while bushwalking.
Police said the man was part of a group of three on a day walk from an overnight campsite when he became unable to continue.
The group activated a personal locator beacon (PLB) and contacted emergency services via satellite communications about 3pm.
Police said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter located the group and transported the man to the Royal Hobart Hospital for assessment last night.
The group was equipped for their overnight camping trip, with "appropriate supplies and communication equipment including their PLB which ensured a quick response from emergency services," police said.
Inspector Steve Jones said it was a "timely reminder for bushwalkers in remote areas to carry sufficient food, water, communication equipment and emergency shelter for unexpected delays".
Open Questions
- What specific medical condition affected the 44-year-old man on the Tyndall Range?
- Whether the 62-year-old man from New South Wales was a tourist or resident of Tasmania
- If any safety signage or warnings exist at Dennes Point regarding unstable slopes
