Two young bushwalkers were forced to spend a cold night lost in the Tasmanian wilderness after becoming disoriented and separated from their equipment.
The men in their twenties activated their personal locator beacon around 8pm on Monday while walking near Federation Peak.
Tasmania Police Search and Rescue crews and the Westpac Police Rescue Helicopter were deployed to the area to search for the pair.
“The weather in Tasmania can change rapidly and dramatically, so it is important that all walkers prepare for the worst,” Search Controller Senior Constable Cam Rennie said.
“Many of the locations where people require assistance are remote and it takes time for police and rescue crews to arrive and then navigate potentially challenging conditions.”
“While crews will always respond when called, you can keep yourself safe by carrying the right equipment.”
The men were eventually found safe and well at 5:40am on Tuesday morning.
According to police, the pair had left their equipment at their campsite and were “uninjured” despite having to endure the elements overnight.
Police are using the incident to remind bushwalkers of the importance of being prepared for all conditions when venturing into Tasmania’s wilderness areas.
