NSW Police and State Emergency Services (SES) have issued a renewed call for public caution following the dramatic rescue of two hikers who became stranded in severe alpine conditions near Mt Kosciuszko over the weekend. Speaking outside Queanbeyan Police Station on Tuesday, June 10, Acting Inspector Andrew Woods of the Monaro Police Area Command and Inspector Malika Bailey addressed the challenges emergency services faced during the incident.
Inspector Woods emphasized the importance of checking the weather before venturing into mountainous areas, warning that conditions can deteriorate rapidly. He described the situation as hazardous, with strong winds and heavy snowfall creating extremely poor visibility. The 28-year-old woman and 31-year-old man were hiking on the Kosciuszko Main Range walking trail when they became trapped in the snow for 17 hours. Fortunately, they were able to alert emergency services using an app on their phone, although Inspector Woods noted that a dedicated emergency locator beacon would have provided a more reliable signal.
The hikers were eventually located by police and SES teams, but only after enduring approximately 20 hours in freezing conditions. Extreme weather initially forced search parties to turn back. Temperatures at Thredbo’s Top Station dropped to -4 degrees Celsius, and with wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, the apparent temperature plummeted below -20 degrees overnight, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Despite earlier suggestions to the contrary, Inspector Woods clarified that the pair had reasonable gear, including food, water, high-quality sleeping bags, and a sturdy tent. He acknowledged their preparedness, stating that their equipment was sufficient to sustain them until help arrived. However, he reiterated that their experience serves as a valuable lesson for others heading into backcountry terrain, urging all hikers to take basic precautions such as filing a trip intention form, carrying a personal locator beacon, and avoiding solo travel. These beacons are available free of charge from National Park and Wildlife offices in Jindabyne and Perisher.
The hikers were rescued roughly 2 kilometers from Seaman’s Hut, one of two emergency shelters in the park maintained by National Parks and stocked with firewood for emergencies. Their location was also notably close to the spot where Hadi Nazari was found last year after surviving three weeks stranded in the park.
This recent event is part of a wider trend of incidents across the Australian Alps over the same weekend. Emergency services responded to more than a dozen calls for assistance. In Victoria, two hikers were rescued from Wonnangatta on Sunday, and thirteen individuals received help at Mt Hotham on Monday after 32 centimeters of snow fell in just 24 hours, leaving vehicles without chains stranded.
Authorities have reminded visitors to the alpine regions that weather conditions can become life-threatening without warning. They also reiterated that non-four-wheel-drive vehicles must carry snow chains in national parks and that penalties apply for failing to do so or not fitting chains when required.
The incident near Mt Kosciuszko underscores the unpredictable and often perilous nature of mountain travel and the need for all outdoor enthusiasts to be well-prepared before venturing into remote and high-altitude environments.
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