Tramper found after Search and Rescue operation in Eastern Bay of Plenty
February 5, 2010, 4:35 pm
A search and rescue operation in the Urewera National Park came to a successful conclusion today when searchers found an overdue tramper in the area.
The 68 year old man had been walking from Maungapohatu to Wairata, and was due to meet up with his family at Wairata on Tuesday. They notified Police yesterday and a search and rescue operation commenced (Thursday 4 February). He was located in a stream at approximately lunchtime today and is fit and well, despite spending a few extra days in the bush.
The head of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police's search and rescue team, Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly, says the man become disoriented in fog and low cloud over the weekend, however, he was well prepared, very experienced and "did everything right".
Sergeant O'Reilly says more than 20 Police search and rescue staff and volunteers and staff were involved in the search, which took place in one of the highest areas in the Urewera National Park. Two helicopters were also involved in the search.
"This had the potential to be a large-scale and complex search and rescue operation," says Sergeant O'Reilly.
"The area we were working in is very large, rough, and high. However, fortunately our missing tramper was extremely experienced and he knew what to do. That made our job significantly easier."
Sergeant O'Reilly says everyone involved is pleased with the successful result - and the search and rescue team is now headed for some much needed sleep.
-ends-
