Inquest findings spark safety reminder to trampers

The Mountain Safety Council is reminding trampers of its Outdoor Safety Code in light of inquest findings into the deaths of former Te Papa boss Seddon Bennington and his companion Marcella Jackson.

The pair died of hypothermia after they were caught in blizzard-like conditions in the Tararuas on July 11 last year, while trying to reach Kime Hut. Their bodies were found four days later, 300m apart, about 1km from the hut.

In findings released yesterday, Coroner Tim Scott said that being poorly prepared and ill-equipped contributed to their deaths.

The key factors were a lack of equipment for adverse weather, as well as their failure to properly check the weather forecast or take cellphones, Mr Scott said.

Search and Rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Noel Bigwood told the inquest their clothing and sleeping bags were inadequate and they did not carry a tent.

Neither tramper carried a compass, GPS device or mobile phone.

There were strong signals from both the Vodafone and Telecom networks in the area where they were found, he said.

Mountain Safety Council programme manager Chris Tews said the incident suggested a lack of care and preparation was taken in checking weather forecasts and assessing how the forecast snow and high winds were likely to affect the planned journey.

When venturing into the outdoors the council advises everyone to use the Outdoor Safety Code:

*Plan your trip.

*Tell someone about your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.

*Be aware of the weather. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.

*Know your limits. Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

*Take sufficient supplies. Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario.

* Take an appropriate means of communication.

- NZPA