KEY POINTS:
A tramper was rescued from the Tararua Ranges today following the second beacon alert in 24 hours.
Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) staff were wrapping up a successful search for the source of an emergency radio beacon discovered in a lost backpack near the Hollyford track, when a second beacon was activated about 10am by Wellington man Mike Phethean.
Mr Phethean was tramping in the Tararuas when he suffered an eye infection. He was flown by an Amalgamated Helicopters pilot to Masterton for treatment.
His beacon was detected by an overflying aircraft and reported to RCCNZ, who had also picked up the beacon alert via satellite, and immediately dispatched the helicopter into the area to rescue him. He was picked up by the helicopter at 12.20pm.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue officer John Dickson said Mr Phethean's rescue had been carried out in difficult conditions, with low cloud and poor visibility making flying difficult.
"While the two alerts so close together have made for a busy 24 hours, the latest incident in particular has highlighted how effective beacons can be in alerting rescuers to those who may be in difficulty," Mr Dickson said.
"Carrying an emergency beacon - particularly the newer 406 Megahertz type beacon - is an excellent safety precaution which can help speed up the rescue response, and we encourage anyone who maybe going into the bush, out on the water or operating an aircraft to carry one."
- NZPA
