Specialist equipment used by alpine rescuers to find skiers trapped in snow is being used as part of the search for missing Polish tramper Jacek Gryzbowski.
The handheld device and wand is used to pick up any signal that might come from a flexible metal reflectorised strip thought to be in the tramper's jacket. This passive device is often used by alpine climbers or skiers as an additional rescue aid if they're trapped in avalanches. It also has some capability for use in the bush.
Inspector Mike Wright, search controller for Operation Poland, says the equipment was flown down from Whakapapa this afternoon and used for a period late this afternoon. It will be used again tomorrow as depending on conditions it is suitable for teams both on the ground and in the air.
"We're giving the search a very intensive effort before a cold southerly, high wind and predicted snow on the tops comes through late tomorrow," he says. "We remain optimistic of finding Jacek but recognise that with deteriorating weather forecast the chances of finding him alive do diminish.
"This is a big search operation with a lot of very rugged ground to cover. Steep ridge, gullies, streams and dense bush make the going hard for many of our highly experienced police and Land SAR teams. It's taking at time several hours to push through one kilometre; that's the intensity of the search."
Thirty eight searchers were on the ground today supplemented by the field command and support staff. An Air Force Iroquois has provided invaluable help in winching or landing teams into search areas. The Life Flight Westpac Rescue helicopter has also been used today and weather permitting, both the Iroquois and rescue helicopter will be back in the air tomorrow.
Seven teams remain camped out in the bush tonight and will be joined at first light tomorrow by additional Land SAR teams from the Wellington region, Palmerston North, Levin and the Wairarapa.
The Whakanui and McKerrow tracks, streams and gullies running off these tracks, and Mt Matthews are the main search areas.
Ends
Released by Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
tel 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020