A middle-aged man and woman have been safely located at Wine Glass Bay overnight.
Shortly after 11pm last night, Tasmania Police received reports from a concerned relative when the couple were uncontactable after a walk in the Wine Glass Bay area.
Police search and rescue resources, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were dispatched to the scene about 12.53am.
The pair were located safe and well, although cold, tired, about 2.49am before being airlifted to safety.
It is a timely reminder for bushwalkers to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices.
ADVICE FOR BUSHWALKERS
Tasmania Police offers the following advice in reminding bushwalkers of the potential risks in the Tasmanian wilderness.
- Police strongly advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A Personal Locator Beacon and preferably also a two-way messaging emergency device (known as a 'SEND' - Satellite Emergency Notification Device) should also be carried. Take sufficient resources even if you are only undertaking a day walk.
- Ensure you're prepared with appropriate equipment - take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions. Have a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water and first-aid kit.
- Research your intended trip. Ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast. Note that some walks are extremely demanding and should not be conducted without sufficient experience, and ensure you are mentally and physically prepared.
- Let someone know before you go. Ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
- Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.
- Be aware that a PLB is a one-way communication device only and the nature of the emergency will not be known by rescue authorities.
- Be mindful that assistance may take some time to arrive depending on the location and weather. You must be prepared to survive until assistance arrives.
- Be flexible and have a contingency plan. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk, or the trip is harder than you thought. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.
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