Western Police Search and Rescue members, Parks and Wildlife, SES and Ambulance Tasmania are currently responding to the activation of a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on the Overland Track between Marion’s Lookout and the Horse Track. The PLB was hired today by a 43-year-old man planning to complete the six-day trek.

Conditions on the mountain are reported to be ‘challenging’, with below freezing temperatures, snow falling above 1000 metres and winds southwesterly up to 35 km/h.

UPDATE:

Rescuers have located the 43-year-old man who activated his PLB this evening on the Overland Track between Marion’s Lookout and the Horse Track.  The man was uninjured, well equipped but overborne by the deteriorating weather conditions.  The man will be assisted back to the Dove Lake car park where he will be assessed by Paramedics.

Tasmania Police supports the carriage of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) by bushwalkers and other adventurers.  The beacons should only be used in an emergency or distress situation when there is no other feasible option and help is urgently required.  They assist in minimising the search in search and rescue operations and have the potential to save your life.