More than 100 search and rescue volunteers battled driving rain and bitter cold during a two-day training exercise designed to test Tasmania’s emergency response capabilities.
The weekend drill at Wayatinah Lagoon in the Central Highlands brought together multiple agencies to locate two ‘missing’ fishermen in a scenario designed to mirror the harsh realities of wilderness emergencies.
Tasmania Police Search and Rescue coordinated the operation, with support from the State Emergency Service, Ambulance Tasmania, Surf Life Saving Tasmania and mounted units from across the state.
The exercise centred on a father and son whose boat had capsized during a fishing trip, forcing them to swim to shore before becoming separated in dense bushland.
Senior Constable Cameron Rennie said the scenario reflected the challenges teams often encounter.
“Today is extremely realistic … we often have protracted searches in Tasmania,” he said.
“We can have up to a week-long search [and] this is very common to have input from so many different agencies.”
Organisers said the wild weather was a bonus, adding authenticity rather than hindrance.
“The weather today creates its own challenges and as a result of that, it informs how we conduct our searches,” said SES Regional Officer Andrew Freeman.
“[It also] helps for the preparation of the members as well, with the types of equipment they carry and use during the day.”
Search teams on foot and horseback scoured kilometres of rugged terrain, while the rescue helicopter carried out aerial sweeps despite poor visibility.
Swift-water crews also trained for emergency river crossings as part of the comprehensive drill.
Freeman said more than 40 SES volunteers gave up their weekend to take part, showing the value of the exercise.
“These are volunteer members that give up their own time to come and participate,” he said.
“They are clearly demonstrating by being here that it is of great benefit to them.”
Rennie added the training was vital for testing gear and strengthening relationships between agencies that regularly collaborate in real emergencies.
“It gives us a chance to test our current understanding of things, see what’s broken, see what works really well,” he said.
Tasmania’s search and rescue operations are internationally recognised, often receiving awards from the National Search and Rescue Council for their effectiveness in the island’s rugged terrain.
With thousands of visitors drawn to the state’s wilderness each year, well-coordinated emergency response remains essential to public safety.
