Key Takeaways
- Three men were rescued from a gorge in the Kaitoke Regional Park after a harrowing night in the cold and rain
- The men were trapped with no cell phone signal and were only able to call for help after finding a weak signal
- Police are reminding people of the importance of personal locator beacons (PLBs) when venturing into remote areas
- The rescuers were able to reach the men at 3am and provided them with shelter, clothing, and food
- The men were eventually extracted from the gorge at first light with the aid of Wellington Rafting
Introduction to the Incident
The men were grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call, police said. A recent incident in the Kaitoke Regional Park highlighted the importance of being prepared when venturing into remote areas. Three men had planned to float down the Hutt River on inner tubes, but their adventure quickly turned into a nightmare. They set out late on Monday, wearing only light clothing, and soon found themselves trapped in a gorge with impassable cliffs on both sides as darkness descended.
The Challenges Faced by the Men
The men were initially without signal, and their situation became increasingly dire as the weather worsened. However, they were eventually able to get a "glimmer of cell phone reception" and called for help at about 7.30pm. This timely call for help was crucial in ensuring their rescue, as they were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone. The police coordinated a search and rescue operation, but the weather conditions made it challenging. A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent, but it couldn’t get to them due to low cloud and rain setting in.
The Rescue Efforts
At about 3am Tuesday, Land Search and Rescue reached the men and provided them with much-needed shelter, clothing, and food. This assistance was crucial in helping the men survive the cold and wet night. The rescuers worked tirelessly to ensure the men’s safety, and at first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, they were able to get them out of the gorge. The men were grateful to see the rescuers, and it was a relief for everyone involved that the situation was resolved without any fatalities.
The Importance of Personal Locator Beacons
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared when venturing into remote areas. Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp emphasized the need for personal locator beacons (PLBs) in such situations. PLBs are cheap to hire and can save lives, even when there is no cell phone reception. The men’s ability to find a weak cell phone signal was a stroke of luck, but it highlights the importance of having a reliable means of communication in emergency situations. Westrupp urged people to be prepared for any eventuality when heading off on adventures, especially during the summer months.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The recent incident in the Kaitoke Regional Park was a close call for the three men involved. It highlights the importance of being prepared and having the right equipment when venturing into remote areas. The police and rescue teams worked tirelessly to ensure the men’s safety, and their efforts were successful. However, the incident serves as a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, and it is crucial to be prepared. By taking the necessary precautions, such as carrying a PLB, people can minimize the risks associated with venturing into remote areas. As the summer months approach, it is essential for people to be aware of the importance of being prepared and to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.
