Canterbury Police SAR can confirm that two fishermen, who were reported overdue late yesterday afternoon (5 November 2015), have been located by members of the Tekapo and Fairlie LandSAR team who were helping with the search.
Senior Constable Brent Swanson says Police understand that the two men were with a guide fishing the Opihi River yesterday. “The two men set off to fish the upper gorge section of the river while the guide returned to the vehicle to meet them up river. At around 9.30pm, when the two men hadn’t arrived at the meeting point, the guide contacted Police.”
“Last night the lower end of the gorge was searched by a Police SAR team. Early this morning an aerial search of the upper and lower gorge was completed but the men were not located so volunteers from the Tekapo and Fairlie LandSAR were deployed.”
“The two men were located at around 1pm this afternoon in the upper gorge area. They were then picked up by Tekapo Helicopters and are currently being treated by medical personnel in Fairlie for multiple lacerations and mild hypothermia.”
“The men told Police they got lost travelling up the gorge last night and tried to climb out through thick vegetation this morning. They were wearing dark clothing which made it very difficult for the search teams to see them.”
“This is a timely reminder of the importance for everyone who is heading into the backcountry to take always carry a Personal Locator Beacon and secondary form of communication. Even if you are only planning on going out for the day make sure you pack spare clothing and food in case you are forced to stay out overnight.”
If you do get lost when you’re in the backcountry stay where you are, protect yourself from the elements, make yourself visible and wait for help. If you’ve told someone you trust where you are going and when you are going to be back they will be able to raise the alarm and increase the chances of being found quickly.
Police would to thank everyone who took part in the SAR operation to locate the fishermen, particularly the NZ LandSAR volunteers who routinely give up their time to train in order that they can help others.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District.