Thread: Search And Rescue

Me too

It costs nothing to name and shame them surely

You will notice recurring themes in these search reports: party splits up; no intentions lodged; inadequate gear; no map; no means of communications; failure to seek advice; poor planning; not being prepared for a night out in the scrub, etc. Yet these events will keep on happening, because people don't learn from the mistakes of others. As a park ranger (40 years) and a SAR Adviser to the Police (27 years) I took part in over 250 SAR operations, and the causes were always one (or more) of those on the list above. You hoped that people would learn from their mistakes, but I recall one party leader who we rescued 3 times! What totally annoyed me though were lengthy searches for people who "disappeared" deliberately. A woman left footprints heading into the tide on a west coast beach, and a pile of her clothing was found nearby, and a long difficult search ensued. She was discovered much later alive and well, living in Sydney. Seems she was having relationship difficulties! A big shout out for LANDSAR- like volunteer firefighters, they are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job!

"Missing Person - Levin - Levin - Central"

Manawatu Police are currently searching for Tony Winslade aged 42. Tony was last seen leaving an address in Takaro, Palmerston North, on Sunday 26 October 2014 at 0930hrs.
Winslade indicated to associates that he had intended to go hunting, Police are investigating a possible sighting of Winslade in the Otaki Forks area of the Tararua Forest Park on 26 October. Police are concerned for Winslades' safety and would like to hear from Winsalde or anyone who has information that may assist in locating him.

Anyone with information can contact the Palmerston North Police on 06 351-3600.

Body found.

Originally Posted by Dundee

Body found.

Good.result but sad.

"Missing Tramper - Tararua Forest, Otaki Forks - National Alerts"

MEDIA RELEASE. SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION. 2300hrs Thursday 18/12/2014 Manawatu Police and Local LANDSAR volunteers are currently looking for David Schopf, a missing tramper in the Tararua Forest Park, Otaki Forks area.

He is a 21 year old male from Austria. Wearing black pants, blue windbreaker jacket, brown hiking boots, and a yellow and black beanie.

Also carrying a large black and grey tramping pack.

Described as having blond short hair. Schopf was last seen at Waitewaewae Hut in the Tararua Forest Park at approximately 1.30pm Wednesday 17th December 2014.

He has become separated from his tramping party between Waitewaewae Hut and Parawai Lodge, Otaki Forks. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have sighted this person.

There are some concerns for his safety. Please call police on 063513600 with any information after 0700hrs Friday 19th December 2014 Manawatu Police Search and Rescue - Constable Mark GILBERD.

Another great result team

"Missing tramper located safe and well"

The missing Austrian tramper, David Schopf has now been located.

Just before 6pm today an aerial search located David approximately five kilometres down river from the Waitewaewae Hut.

The helicopter that conducted the aerial search, an NZ Airforce NH90, winched David out from the bush.

David was flown to Levin and is currently speaking to officers.

Police want to thank everyone who was involved in the search.

It's good when they get them.......alive.

Glad this guy made it out.

I get motion sickness pretty easy, my ride in nh90 went great. When they started doing low flying maneuvers over the ridges I felt a bit uneasy but still didn't lose my lunch kudos to the pilot.

Also being a 10 ton machine it has a lot of downdraft and noise. I recommend lugging around some ski goggles and earmuffs with your PLB for the next time you compound fracture and need the kerosene taxi.

Originally Posted by tararua

Glad this guy made it out.

I get motion sickness pretty easy, my ride in nh90 went great. When they started doing low flying maneuvers over the ridges I felt a bit uneasy but still didn't lose my lunch kudos to the pilot.

Also being a 10 ton machine it has a lot of downdraft and noise. I recommend lugging around some ski goggles and earmuffs with your PLB for the next time you compound fracture and need the kerosene taxi.

I would of happily jumped in the chopper for the team you lucky bugger.

A couple of weekends ago. at this height they start to break a few branches off.
Photo taken on a phone without zoom

Especially love the part that they thought a 16km hike would take 2 hours...

Rescued Auckland trampers 'totally unprepared' | Stuff.co.nz
Muppets

Originally Posted by Thirdguy

Rescued Auckland trampers 'totally unprepared' | Stuff.co.nz
Muppets

I hope the bastards get the bill from the rescue.

Originally Posted by Dundee

I hope the bastards get the bill from the rescue.

+1