Rescue successful after hunter injured

 On the 2nd April 2008 at approximately 5.40pm a Search & Rescue Operation was commenced after police received information that a hunter had sustained a lower leg injury in the Cataract Creek area behind Hokitika.

The Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter at Greymouth was dispatched with a paramedic on board, and soon located the injured man with one of his companions.

The third member of the party had headed out on foot to summon help, and had stopped off at a hut along the way leaving a note outlining their predicament. After he had written the note and left, another party had turned up at the hut, read the note and used their mountain radio to raise the alarm via Christchurch Mountain Radio Services.

'The group were experienced and were well equipped but I suspect a mountain radio of their own or a personal locator beacon may make its way onto the 'essential equipment list' before they head away on their next trip'

'The new 406 beacons are showing their worth; it gives you the ability to call emergency services for help from almost anywhere, and saves somebody that long lonely walk out to raise the alarm'.

The injured man was taken and admitted to Greymouth Hospital with a lower leg injury after slipping on a rock and falling approximately 6metres.

Earlier in the day the Solid Energy Helicopter was also called to the Lake Daniels area after information was received that a woman had a badly twisted ankle and was unable to walk out.

Despite this she arrived at the car park at the same time as the helicopter, and was treated at the scene by the onboard medic before heading back to Christchurch.