Canterbury Police SAR led a successful operation to rescue a hiker that had got bluffed while descending Mt Sebastopol this afternoon (24 January 2015).
The 20 year old woman from Palmerston North had set off on a day hike up Mt Sebastopol on her own but turned back before she reached the summit. On her descent she inadvertently went off-route and found herself bluffed.
The hiker called emergency services using her mobile phone shortly before 2pm this afternoon.
A Heli Lines Helicopter, with three members of the DOC Alpine Rescue Team on board, flew to her location at approximately 3.30pm. They strop/long-lined her off the bluff before flying back to Aoraki Mt Cook Emergency Centre.
The woman was uninjured but was very grateful to everyone who helped rescue her.
This is a timely reminder for everyone who is visiting the high country and mountains in Canterbury to tell someone they trust where they are going and when they are going to be back. This hiker did the right thing by stopping and calling for help when she realised she couldn’t proceed safely. It’s also a good idea to hire a personal locator beacon, particularly if you’re heading out on a tramp on your own, so that you can raise the alarm if you don’t have a cell phone signal.
If you are unfamiliar with the area you are looking to explore it’s a good idea to visit your local DOC visitor centre, or talk to other tramping groups and organisations that know the area well, before you set off.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
