Key Takeaways
- Three young men were rescued after spending a night stranded in a Wellington gorge while floating in river tubes.
- The men’s planning was flawed, and they set out late, wearing only light clothing, and without adequate preparation for the conditions.
- The trio was able to call for assistance using a sliver of cell phone reception, but the rescue operation was challenging due to bad weather.
- The men were provided with shelter, clothing, and food by Land Search and Rescue and Police, and were eventually rescued with the aid of Wellington Rafting.
- The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for any eventuality when venturing into the bush or on rivers, and the potential life-saving value of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).
Introduction to the Incident
Three young men were rescued this morning after a harrowing night stranded in a Wellington gorge while floating in river tubes. The trio had set out late on Monday, intending to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed, and they soon found themselves trapped in a gorge with impassable cliffs on both sides as darkness descended. The men were wearing only light clothing, which left them ill-prepared for the cold and wet conditions they faced.
The Rescue Operation
According to Wellington District search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp, the men managed to get a sliver of cell phone reception and called for assistance about 7:30 pm, with police coordinating an operation to rescue them as the weather worsened. A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent to the scene, but it couldn’t reach the men due to low cloud and rain. Land Search and Rescue and Police teams reached the three men around 3:00 am and provided them with shelter, clothing, and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, the men were finally rescued from the gorge.
The Dangers of Poor Planning
Sergeant Westrupp described the incident as an "uncomfortably close call" for the three men, who were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone for help. The men’s lack of preparation and poor planning had put them in a precarious situation, and it was only their ability to find a scrap of cell phone coverage that allowed them to call for assistance. If they hadn’t managed to find a signal, it could have been a very different Christmas for them and their families. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for any eventuality when venturing into the bush or on rivers.
The Importance of Preparation
Westrupp emphasized the need for people to be prepared when going on excursions in the bush or adventuring on rivers. He noted that Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are cheap to hire and can be lifesavers, even when there is no cell phone reception. PLBs are devices that can send a distress signal to emergency services in the event of an emergency, and they can be especially useful in remote areas where cell phone reception is limited. The incident serves as a reminder to always plan carefully, check the weather forecast, and bring necessary safety equipment, including a PLB, when venturing into the wilderness.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The rescue of the three young men from the Wellington gorge is a fortunate outcome, but it also serves as a warning to others who may be planning similar adventures. The importance of preparation and planning cannot be overstated, and the potential consequences of poor planning can be severe. By taking the necessary precautions and being prepared for any eventuality, people can minimize the risks associated with venturing into the bush or on rivers. As Sergeant Westrupp noted, PLBs are a simple and effective way to ensure that help can be summoned in the event of an emergency, and they can be a lifesaver in situations like the one faced by the three young men.