Missing hunter found alive

A hunter will soon be reunited with his wife and three young children thanks to search and rescue teams who found him after three days lost in the bush.

Siow Hong Kuik, known as Desmond, was last seen on Sunday afternoon (21 October) when he left his hunting party at their camp near the Waititi Stream presumably to go on a lone hunt.

Searchers yesterday found indicators tracking towards Kouanui Hut, including broken ferns and sticks placed in arrows. At the hut Desmond had left a note saying he was lost but had sourced some food.

Shortly after 1.30 this afternoon Desmond was found alive and well by search teams and arrangements are currently being made to fly him out. He will then be medically assessed.

Police would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone going into the bush of the importance of taking some basic safety measures.

•       Always tell someone what your plans are. Tell them where you intend to go and when you expect to get back.
•       Make sure you have sufficient food and clothing for your trip; factoring in the possibility of getting lost or a change in weather conditions.
•       Carry a compass or GPS system
•       Carry a form of communication; preferably a personal tracker system such as a SPOT device.
•       If you find yourself lost, try to leave a trail. Search and rescue experts will look for indicators such as broken foliage, footprints and arrows.
•       If you get yourself to a location where you are safe and have shelter, such as a hut, stay where you are. The more you move the harder you make it for the search teams to locate you.
•       However experienced you think you are in the bush, don't underestimate the dangers.