Hunter found safe after spending overnight in bush

 At about 8.30pm on Saturday the 19th of September 2009 the Balclutha Police were alerted to a missing hunter in the Blue Mountains near Beaumont.

17 year old Cole MCKENZIE of Hawea had been hunting with two older associates and was separated from them in an area called Blackcleugh Burn. He failed to meet with his associates at a rendezvous point at 6.00pm and they were unable to locate him.

The group only expected to be in the bush for two or three hours and Mr MCKENZIE was not equipped to stay in the bush for a prolonged period.

South Otago Search and Rescue were activated and searched through the night to try and locate Mr MCKENZIE.

The SAR group was bolstered with further searchers this morning from Catlins and Milton Search and Rescue. Mr MCKENZIE was located safe and well at about 11.30am.

He did not need medical attention and seemed very grateful to see his rescuers.

About 30 volunteers were involved in the search at various stages overnight.

The Baclutha Police would like to publicly thank all the South Otago Search and Rescue volunteers for giving up their time and energy to assist in this search. Without their help Mr MCKENZIE could have been stranded in the mountains for a lot longer.

This search has highlighted the need for all hunters and trampers to be prepared for the worst.

 

 

Sergeant Martin BULL
Balclutha Police