Tasmania Police has responded to two search and rescue operations in Northern Tasmania overnight– one in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and another in the Cradle Mountain -Lake St Clair National Park.

This is in addition to the current search and rescue operation for a missing bushwalker near Lake St Clair.

Yesterday morning around 10.30am an EPIRB was activated by two NSW walkers in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park near Junction Lake.

Both were reported as experienced walkers not due to complete their walk until today.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to investigate the distress call, but due to poor weather conditions it was not able to reach the party.  A search and rescue party with a paramedic was tasked at 5pm to walk to location, but turned back due to snow depth.  A second party of three police search and rescue members from Northern and Western Districts were deployed at 2am to the distress location.  They found conditions difficult to walk in during the night and were also unable to reach the pair before the Westpac Police Rescue helicopter located them around 9am this morning.  The party was returned to their vehicle. The beacon was activated by the pair because they were not able to walk in the conditions and would not reach their destination in a reasonable time.

At 4pm yesterday a father and daughter were walking in the Lake St Clair National Park near Kia Ora Hut when they made contact with a family member stating they were in blizzard conditions and were finding the walk difficult. They are experienced bush walkers with suitable equipment for the snow conditions. Both were reported to be cold and tired and had set up camp 1km south of Pelion Gap in thick snow. Attempts have been made to reach the two by helicopter but inclement weather has restricted access to their location.  At this time the party are making their way to Pelion Hut and will assess the situation as to whether or not assistance is still needed.

“This is a timely reminder to visitors to our national parks to carefully consider weather conditions during the intended walk to ensure they have sufficient food and rations for possible delays due to weather and suitable equipment and clothing,” Inspector Darren Hopkins said.

“It’s recommended that walking parties take some type of emergency equipment such as an EPIRB, Spot or similar device in the event of an emergency.”