Search and rescue near Whataroa

On the 31st of March 2008 at approximately 6.30pm the RCC based in Wellington commenced a Search & Rescue Operation after they received a signal from an emergency locater beacon in South Westland.

The beacon was narrowed down to the Whataroa area and the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter equipped with NVG's (night vision goggles) from Greymouth was dispatched.

At the same time police were advised of a Department of Conservation worker that was overdue in the same area.

The two jobs turned out to be one in the same, with the subject being located at approximately 8.40pm near the confluence of the Whataroa and Perth Rivers.

He had become disorientated and was unable to make his way out of the area due to the terrain and darkness.

'This type of after dark operation would not be possible for obvious reasons without the use of the night vision equipment. Although the subject in this case was not in a life threatening situation, the benefit of this equipment quickly shows its worth if that had been the case'.

Once the helicopter crew tracked their way to the general area of the beacon's signal, they were able to home directly in on the subject on the light produced by the fire he had lit.

'This is one of the real strength's of the NVG's as a search tool. If a lost party has any light source with them, their chances of being sighted increase dramatically'.

The man was flown out and returned to his family, he did not require medical attention.