URGENT UPDATE: A tragic hiking incident at Cradle Mountain National Park has resulted in the death of a tourist, while three others were rescued after severe weather conditions left them stranded. Authorities are issuing an urgent warning to all outdoor enthusiasts following this devastating event.
The incident unfolded on Friday when a group of four Chinese nationals encountered life-threatening challenges during their hike. Around 3:30 PM, another hiking group alerted emergency services about the stranded tourists, who were suffering from extreme cold and unable to continue.
Police reported that adverse weather conditions prevented a helicopter deployment, necessitating a ground rescue effort involving police, State Emergency Service (SES) crews, Park and Wildlife Services, and Ambulance Tasmania. Rescuers made the difficult trek to locate the group late Friday afternoon.
Unfortunately, police confirmed that one woman in the group died due to the extreme conditions. Rescuers and survivors camped overnight on the mountain, with the search and rescue team successfully guiding the remaining hikers to safety on Saturday morning. Fortunately, the other three members of the group are reported to be in good condition.
“This is a tragic outcome for a group of visitors to Tasmania,” stated Inspector Steve Jones. “They were not prepared for bushwalking and found themselves overwhelmed by the extreme weather conditions.”
Inspector Jones emphasized that the group lacked essential equipment, including a personal locator beacon, which could have facilitated their rescue when they first recognized they were in danger. He praised the assistance provided by other hiking parties, stating, “Fortunately, another group of walkers found them and rendered valuable assistance with the limited supplies they had.”
In light of this incident, authorities are urging all bushwalkers to ensure they are adequately prepared. Essential items include warm clothing, food, emergency communication devices, maps, torches, and waterproof jackets. Police stress that even day walkers must carry sufficient supplies to handle unexpected weather changes, particularly in alpine areas where conditions can shift rapidly.
“This means there are times such as this when we can’t deploy the helicopter, and it takes time for a ground search and rescue team to walk into remote areas,” Inspector Jones added.
As investigations continue, police are urging outdoor enthusiasts to take these warnings seriously to prevent future tragedies. A thorough review of safety protocols for hikers is expected in the wake of this incident. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
