Man and dog walk away from killer plunge

The Taupo Based Greenlea Rescue helicopter was dispatched to the Papamanuka Stream, next to Whakapapa intake road off SH47 in the wee hours of this morning.

A man who was out hunting with three of his dogs, fell down a step ravine about six pm last night, and became trapped.

He was located by his friends during the night, who were able to lower some warm clothing to him.

At first light the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was able to hoist him and one of the dogs to safety, with the assistance of national park police and Land SAR.

To give some reference to the height this man fell, we had to use over 100’ of hoist cable to reach him.

Once the man was on the hoist, the helicopter crew static lined him out of the ravine, and held him at a low height over a scrubby clearing while the hoist cable was wound in. Effectively holding him about ten foot in the air as the helicopter lowered itself down to him as the cable rewound.

It is believed the other two dogs who were to be retrieved today.

Other than a cold night out, following his big fall, the man was otherwise uninjured.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Taupo's principal sponsor, Greenlea. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website http://rescue.org.nz.

ENDS

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