Five stranded bushwalkers have spent the night outdoors – accompanied by emergency services – on the state's Central Coast, after being located during a multi-agency rescue operation overnight.
About 6.15pm (Sunday 1 September 2019), emergency services were called to bushland near Patonga Beach, following reports two adults and three children – aged 12, 15 and 17 – became stranded on an afternoon bushwalk.
Police have been told the path the group walked along the beach was inaccessible upon returning due to the tide rising. This stranded them atop a cliff with no inland access, in fading light and with limited provisions.
A joint search and rescue operation commenced involving officers from Brisbane Water Police District, Marine Area Command, PolAir, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire Service and the Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.
Once the group was located by PolAir, two Fire & Rescue NSW officers and two NSW Ambulance paramedics made their way through dense bushland to access the group and provide resources for the overnight stay.
No injuries have been reported.
The rescue operation will recommence in daylight hours and a decision will be made regarding whether they will be extracted by air or sea.
