RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE NEW ZEALAND

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 11 OCTOBER 2007
TIME: 10.15PM

Search for beacon to continue at first light

The search for the source of an emergency locator beacon detected in the Hollyford Valley today is to continue at first light (around 6am) tomorrow (Friday 12 October).

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is coordinating the search for the source of the beacon, which was detected near the Hollyford Track about 1pm today.

Search and rescue helicopters from Te Anau and Dunedin spent the afternoon and evening searching for the beacon’s source, one using night vision gear and the other beacon direction finding equipment, without success. The helicopters conducted both high and low level searches along an approximately 10km stretch of the track between Sunshine Hut and Pyke Lodge, about 20km north east of Milford Sound.

Pinpointing the exact source of the beacon is being complicated by the steepness of the surrounding terrain, which is interfering with the signal.

Both helicopters have now returned to Te Anau for the night and will continue to assist with the search tomorrow. A land-based search and rescue team coordinated by Te Anau Police will commence at first light, supported by RCCNZ.

Direction-finding specialists from Radio Spectrum Management in Dunedin have also been assisting with the search.

It is not yet known who or what may have activated the beacon, though inquiries are continuing through the Department of Conservation in a bid to determine who might be in the area.

Weather in the area is currently clear, with light winds and high cloud.

An update will be provided tomorrow morning as and when any new information comes to light. 
 
EARLIER....

RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE NEW ZEALAND
MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 11 OCTOBER 2007

TIME: 6PM

Search for beacon underway

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RRCNZ) is coordinating the search for the source of an emergency beacon detected in the Hollyford Valley area near Milford Sound about 1pm today.

A Southern Lakes helicopter fitted with direction finding equipment has landed in the area and its crew are now attempting to locate the source of the beacon, which is giving off a strong signal but is being affected by steep terrain.

A direction-finding specialist from Dunedin is being flown to the area to assist with the search, along with night vision gear.

It is not yet known who or what may have activated the beacon.

An update will be provided as and when any new information comes to light. 

ENDS

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