Two bushwalkers have been rescued from Tasmania’s rugged West Coast after spending two days lost in the wilderness with “insufficient equipment and limited knowledge of the area”.
Search and rescue crews, including a helicopter, were deployed today to locate the pair in the Savage River Regional Reserve, after they managed to get enough signal to call for help from high ground.
Police said the pair had entered the remote area without the right gear and became disoriented during their hike.
After two days in the bush, they tried to call Triple Zero, but couldn’t get mobile reception due to the area’s isolation.
Inspector Steve Jones said the incident highlighted ongoing concerns around bushwalker preparedness, despite repeated warnings.
“Police cannot reiterate enough that if hiking in a remote area, ensure you not only have a mobile phone with adequate battery and backup battery, but also carry navigation devices that work even when out of cellular coverage,” he said.
“Never solely rely on a mobile phone. Always carry enough adequate equipment and supplies for the intended journey and additional emergency supplies to survive when a trip does not go as intended.”
He added that every bushwalker heading into the wilderness should take a personal locator beacon.
This incident comes just days after two other bushwalkers were rescued near Lake Newdegate in Mount Field National Park.
Police said those walkers were suffering from exposure and couldn’t be retrieved straight away due to bad weather.
