Thread: Search And Rescue

Another mission up there

Title: Search underway for missing trampers

A Police search and rescue operation is underway in the Ngamoko Range (in the
Ruahine Ranges) after a group of trampers activated their emergency locator
beacon yesterday (Sunday, 7 July) morning.

Police were notified of the beacon activation by the Rescue Coordination
Centre and took over the search operation yesterday evening for the group of
five trampers who are believed to be members of the New Plymouth Tramping
Club.

Search Coordinator Sergeant Bill Nicholson says: "We deployed a team
yesterday evening but the high winds and rain made the search difficult. We
have re-deployed teams at first light today and we believe that the group may
be near the Puriri stream as this is where the beacon is polling from."

The group of five aged between 30-63, are believed to be experienced
trampers, however with the inclement weather and difficult location, shelter
may be an issue.

"The three search teams deployed today are made up of LANDSAR volunteers and
they are currently honing in on the beacon's signal," says Sergeant
Nicholson.