Two bushwalkers have been rescued after becoming stranded at Newdegate Hut in Mount Field National Park, prompting police to issue fresh safety warnings for hikers.
The pair activated a satellite messaging device around 10pm on Sunday night after suffering from exposure in deteriorating weather conditions in the remote Tasmanian wilderness.
Acting Inspector Paul Johns from Marine and Rescue Services said the initial rescue attempt by helicopter was hampered by poor visibility.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, however, due to weather conditions and cloud it was unable to safely land and a search and rescue team was deployed to walk to the area,” Johns said.
The ground team made up of two police rescue officers and two wilderness paramedics reached the hikers at around 3:30am on Monday morning.
The bushwalkers received treatment at the hut and were eventually extracted by helicopter at 9am when weather conditions improved.
This rescue follows several bushwalker weather alerts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology last week.
“This rescue is an example of how it’s imperative to only bushwalk if you are prepared, both with physical capability and equipment to keep you safe,” Johns said.
He said that while emergency services always respond to calls for help, adverse weather often prevents aircraft from operating, meaning ground crews could take hours to reach those in distress.
“Bushwalkers should always prepare for the worst and carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices,” he said.
