Siegmund Glowacki went missing on Tuesday afternoon around 5.30pm when fossicking for gold in the Newell Creek area of Queenstown.

A search and rescue operation commenced at 7pm that evening and concluded at 2pm this afternoon when he was located on the Garfield River about five kilometres from where he was last seen.  Mr Glowacki was in good health and good spirits when he was found and is being monitored at the Queenstown Hospital, likely to be released.

Queenstown Police Divisional Inspector Stuart Wilkinson praised the commitment of the entire multi-agency team which included state-wide police search and rescue members, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Tasmania, Rotor Lift and Westpac Rescue Helicopter as well as canine trackers.  He also commented on the support provided by the Queenstown community and West Coast Council who suffered helicopters landing in their local playground a number of times over the two days.

Inspector Wilkinson says he has spoken with the family who also praised the efforts of all the people involved in the rescue operation and were very thankful to have Mr Glowacki returned to them.

Inspector Wilkinson said “I have no criticism of Mr Glowacki, he simply became lost while doing his hobby of gold panning, he was not unprepared or ill equipped as it was not his intention to go bushwalking or be in the bush for any period; he simply took a wrong turn and became disorientated.  The only advice I would provide to anyone who ever finds themselves in a similar situation is to stay where you are when you believe you are lost.  We will find you much quicker!”