Richmond Ranges rescue: Four teens trapped by flooding airlifted to safety
Four teenagers had to be rescued from the bush after becoming stranded due to flooding.
The group, aged 17 and 18, spent Monday night in the Mid Wairoa Hut in the Richmond Ranges after choosing not to cross a flooded river.
The group had activated a personal locator beacon (PLB) at 10.50am, however, rescue teams were initially unable to reach them due to bad conditions.
Yesterday, Heli Charter Nelson helicopter and one medically trained LandSAR member flew to the hut while LandSAR ground teams went in on foot.
Nelson Search and Rescue co-ordinator Constable Johnathan Fris said Heli Charter helicopter successfully located the group and carried out an extraction at about midday yesterday.
“They were lucky – the party was returned home safe and well by lunchtime.”
The LandSAR foot teams were unable to reach the hut due to flooding, so returned to base.
“Although the four teens made a good decision not to cross the flooded river and return to the hut for safety to activate the PLB, they needed to be better prepared with two forms of communication,” Fris said.
He said conditions were difficult.
“This incident highlights how difficult assistance can be if you have an emergency like severe weather. Even when help is on the way, adverse weather can delay rescue efforts,” Fris said.
“It’s a timely reminder for people heading into remote areas to plan well and monitor weather closely – if the forecast looks bad, don’t go."
Outdoor enthusiasts have been reminded to carry the appropriate emergency equipment such as a PLB and a satellite communication device as mobile phones don’t always have service in remote areas.
They have also been reminded to take extra food and clothes and always check weather conditions in advance.