On Saturday the 7th of November 2021 at 4:30pm, police were contacted in relation to a lost walker who was near the summit of Cradle Mountain. The walker was trying to make their way back to Kitchen Hut when they became disorientated and lost the track markers due to inclement weather conditions.
At 6:30pm, police were notified of a medical emergency in relation to a separate walker suffering from chest pains who was in the Waterfall Valley Hut area. The walker was in company of other people and were in regular contact with Tasmania Ambulance. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was activated but had to turn around due to poor weather conditions. A Search and Rescue party and 2 Wilderness Paramedics from Ambulance Tasmania were dispatched to walk into Waterfall Valley Hut.
At 10pm, a Personal Locating Beacon was activated which belonged to the missing walker near the summit. A Search and Rescue team from Launceston were dispatched who located the PLB. Contact was made with the missing walker and based on their description; the walker was located at 6am this morning suffering from mild hypothermia.
The Search and Rescue Party and Wilderness Paramedics located and assessed the walker with the medical condition at Waterfall Valley Hut at 4:30am.
Both of the Westpac Rescue Helicopters were dispatched to the two incidents this morning and successfully retrieved both walkers from the areas. Both walkers were transported to the LGH with minor injuries.
These two incidents follow a similar operation from Friday where another walker was separated from their walking party who had to be retrieved by winch from the side of a steep embankment. Tasmania Police would like to ask all walkers that they remain vigilant when walking in a group and keep an eye on each.
While all the walkers in the recent rescues were well prepared, it is important that walkers are aware of their environment and the varying climate conditions that can change rapidly. Careful consideration should be given to both immediate and long range weather forecasts. If you find yourself in trouble, contact emergency services and please follow directions that are provided.
