Police are reminding bushwalkers and motorists of the need to be prepared for trips into the Tasmanian bush, and to always carry appropriate safety equipment, following separate search and rescue incidents across the state on Saturday.
A 44-year-old northern Tasmanian man spent about five hours lost in the Meander Falls area on Saturday night after becoming separated from his walking companion and veering off the track back to the car park.
Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers were deployed to the scene and, supported by State Emergency Service personnel and using drone technology, were able to safely locate the man about midnight. He was walked out with no significant injuries.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was deployed but was unable to fly in the area due to weather conditions.
Earlier on Saturday night, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was used to winch a 50-year-old walker to safety after he got into difficulty on Mount Killiecrankie, at Flinders Island.
The man contacted police via mobile phone late Saturday afternoon advising that he was unable to walk out after a solo hike to Mount Killiecrankie.
The man was located by the helicopter crew about 7pm and safely winched out, with no significant injuries.
Also on Saturday evening, Tasmania Police were called to help two people on Tasmania's West Coast, after their 4WD was stuck on a remote track south of Queenstown.
The man and woman told police they had been driving for several hours and became disoriented on the tracks, eventually becoming stuck on a very difficult section which they were unable to pass.
Police were advised one of the group had a physical disability which meant they could not walk without assistance.
With concerns for the pair's welfare, police from Queenstown and Rosebery were deployed about 5.30pm and successfully located them about 7.45pm.
There were no injuries and the vehicle was successfully recovered and driven back to Queenstown.
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.
