Three walkers have been forced to spend a freezing night in the Tasmanian wilderness following a failed rescue attempt yesterday.
The walkers, believed to be from India, were struck down by hypothermia on the Overland Track yesterday afternoon, and a distress signal was activated.
The three hikers, aged 28, 37 and 45, sought shelter in the Kitchen Hut area overnight, braving metre-deep snow and temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius.In a lengthy statement, Tasmania Police Inspector Shane LeFevre gave details of the failed rescue mission. “The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was activated and travelled to Cradle Mountain. Unfortunately, the weather conditions did not allow the helicopter access to Kitchen Hut and due to increasing inclement weather had to return to Hobart.
“At the time two Parks and Wildlife Rangers and other civilian walkers were with the three international walkers at Kitchen Hut and provided assistance until police and paramedics arrived at around 9pm.”“Hikers must pay close attention to weather forecasts and take appropriate precautions; prepare fully for the extreme walking conditions of Tasmania … even in summer; preferably carry an EPIRB at all times and if not prepared – delay their walk,” he said.
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