DATE: 25 JANUARY 2008 TIME :
Fiordland tramper rescued thanks to beacon
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) has coordinated the successful rescue of a tramper who suffered a seizure
in the Fiordland National Park late yesterday.
RCCNZ launched a search for the 28-year-old man after the 121.5 Megahertz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
(EPIRB) he was carrying was activated about 11.25pm on Thursday. The beacon was traced to the northern end of Lake
Hauroko, Fiordland, where the man had been tramping with a female friend.
A helicopter from Southern Lakes Helicopters was sent to the remote area and winched the man to safety about 2am today.
He was flown to Te Anau for medical treatment and is understood to be in a stable condition.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue Officer John Dickson said the fact the man had been carrying an EPIRB had greatly assisted
rescuers in finding him in what was a very remote area.
A Police Officer from the helicopter remained in the area overnight with the remaining member of the man’s tramping
party and both were airlifted out to Te Anau at first light today.
ENDS