Tasked by NSW Police on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, 14 NSW SES volunteers from the Alpine Search and Rescue Unit (ASAR), Snowy River Unit and Queanbeyan Unit responded to the incident near Geehi and spent almost 24 hours in the bush to safely retrieve two people.
The hikers were able to provide their location to NSW Police and had food, water and suitable clothing. NSW SES vertical rescue teams worked through the night in steep and remote terrain to reach and safely retrieve all members on Wednesday.
NSW SES Snowy Monaro Local Commander, Chief Inspector Malika Bailey said the successful rescue in challenging conditions was a testament to emergency service partners working together.
"Our Alpine Search and Rescue teams are highly trained in remote area navigation, vertical rescue and prolonged operations in some of the most challenging environments in New South Wales," Chief Inspector Bailey said.
"This rescue was in steep, isolated terrain and we had poor weather come through during the response. We had to complete a 350-metre vertical rescue, and at times the fog meant we couldn't see two metres in front of us.
"Thanks to strong interagency coordination and the preparedness of the hikers, all members of the group were located and safely retrieved."
The NSW SES Alpine Search and Rescue capability is made up of specialist volunteers trained in alpine navigation, rope rescue, wilderness search, and operations in snow and extreme weather conditions. The unit supports NSW Police in remote and mountainous environments, particularly across the Snowy Mountains region.
Chief Inspector Bailey urged anyone planning to bushwalk in alpine areas, during summer and winter, to take appropriate precautions.
"Conditions in alpine environments can change rapidly. Even experienced hikers can find themselves in difficulty," she said.
"Before heading out, check the weather forecast, plan your route carefully, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return, and carry appropriate clothing, food, water and communication equipment."
NSW SES reminds bushwalkers to:
- Check weather and National Park alerts before departing
- Carry adequate food, water and warm, waterproof clothing
- Take a map, compass and fully charged communication device, and consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- Stay with your group and avoid taking unnecessary risks in steep or unstable terrain
Anyone keen to join the NSW SES Snowy River Unit or Alpine Search and Rescue team is encouraged to visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au
