Rescuers have been successful in recovering two trampers who got into difficulty in the Nelson Lakes National Park yesterday afternoon.
Conditions in the area prevented a helicopter getting to the pair yesterday but they have been picked up about 1pm today during a break in the weather.
The Irish woman and Latvian man, both in their mid-twenties have been checked by an advanced paramedic on the mountain and are unlikely to require further medical treatment.
Search coordinator Senior Constable Dave Colville said the first rescue team to reach the pair early this morning had done an outstanding job to bring them back from a severely hypothermic state prior to the helicopter’s arrival.
The rescue team had tramped through the night in snow and high winds to reach the pair about 5.30am. There was a wind chill of -18deg and heavy blowing snow.
Once they are safely off the mountain Police will interview them to establish exactly what has gone wrong.
Senior Constable Colville said the trampers were extremely lucky to have been rescued as their condition when they were found meant they were unable to help themselves.
End
Media note:
We are yet to ascertain whether the pair would be prepared to speak to media about their ordeal and will advise once they have been spoken to.
Tasman Police Communications Manager 2074 780853