Canterbury Police have been in contact with three trampers who were unable to reach Pinnacles Hut last night due to deteriorating weather.
Acting Sergeant Paul Spencer who is coordinating the operation says the trampers set off their beacon at around 11.30pm last night. “We were able to contact them by phone and ascertained that the group of three females in their 20’s were experienced trampers and had good equipment with them including tents. The trio were unable to reach the hut as the snow had reached about 1.5m.”
“As snow prevented rescuers reaching them on foot and the helicopter was unable to fly due to the weather conditions last night the trampers made camp in a sheltered area. This morning we have deployed a helicopter to try to locate the three trampers.” Said Acting Sergeant Spencer.
“We don’t know why the trampers set off with bad weather and snow forecast for the area but they did the right thing by setting off their beacon when they needed help. This gave us an accurate location of the group and luckily they a cellphone signal so we were able to talk to them last night and reassure them.”
A further update will be made later this morning
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404