Lucky escape for climber on Mt Tapua-o-Uenuka

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter rescued an injured climber off Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuka, about 60km south of Blenheim, earlier this evening.

As we understand it, four friends ascended the mountain earlier today and while descending back down to their hut for an overnight stay one of the climbers slid about 30 metres down an ice bank, only stopping when he hit rocks.

One of his companions climbed back to the top of the mountain to get a cellphone signal and call 111 for help.

The Westpac rescue helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard, arrived overhead the men around 6:45 this evening. They were seen on a steep slope at an altitude of about 2300 metres.

"Unfourtanetly given the wind and the fact the men were located about 2300 metres above sea level we were unable to winch" says Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman Dave Greenberg. "Our paramedic was able to step off the helicopter, onto a rock , and then walk about 500 metres up a steep, rocky slope to where the patient was located".

The Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic found a 20 year old Blenheim man suffering from cuts and bruises to his arms and back. With assistance from the others he was able to be slowly walked down to where the helicopter was able to pick the injured man and the paramedic up.

"He is a lucky man" continues Greenberg. "His friends said he hit the rocks at great speed and were afraid he might be dead so were amazed to find him concious, able to walk and with only relatively minor injuries.

The man was transported to Wairau Hospital in Blenheim where he is being treated for his injuries.

ENDS

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