Tasmania Police have urged bushwalkers and motorists to be properly prepared for trips into the bush after three separate rescue operations unfolded across the state on Saturday.
A 44-year-old northern Tasmanian man spent around five hours lost in the Meander Falls area last night after becoming separated from his walking companion and veering off the track.
Police Search and Rescue officers, supported by State Emergency Service personnel and drone technology, located the man around midnight.
He was walked out with no significant injuries.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was deployed but could not fly in the area due to weather conditions.
Earlier last night, the helicopter was used to winch a walker to safety after she got into difficulty on Mount Killiecrankie at Flinders Island.
The woman, aged in her mid-50s and a Queensland resident, had contacted police via mobile phone late Saturday afternoon after being unable to walk out following a solo hike.
She was located by the helicopter crew around 7pm and winched out with no significant injuries.
Also yesterday evening, police were called to help two people on the West Coast after their 4WD became stuck on a remote track south of Queenstown.
The man and woman told police they had been driving for several hours and became disoriented, eventually getting stuck on a very difficult section they could not pass.
Police were told one of the pair had a physical disability which meant they could not walk without assistance.
Officers from Queenstown and Rosebery were deployed around 5:30pm and located the pair around 7:45pm.
The vehicle was recovered and driven back to Queenstown.
Police said bushwalkers should avoid walking alone and always carry warm clothing, food, emergency communication devices and a Personal Locator Beacon.
“Ensure someone knows your route and expected return time,” police said.
They also advised walkers to research their intended trip, carry a fully charged phone and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorated.
