City of Hobart Council is urging bushwalkers to be fully prepared when visiting kunanyi/Mt Wellington, following a rescue mission on Monday night that saw 18 stranded walkers, including three children, brought to safety.
Emergency services were contacted by members of the group, who had been walking in the mountain region before bad weather closed in.
The group had mobile phones but minimal food and water, and no equipment to spend the night in case of emergency.
Police arranged for Council personnel to assist the walkers back to safety.
“Whilst undertaking this, five more walkers were located walking back down the mountain at the 1,100m level, they too were brought back to safety. They were also similarly unprepared for such a journey,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
Four Council staff spent five hours rescuing both groups. The operation involved multiple trips using three 4WD utes and a tractor.
Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Latham said that it was incredibly frustrating that Police were forced to repeat the same warnings – especially during a severe weather event.
“The Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania SES and Tasmania Police have been issuing warnings to the community regarding the severe weather event since last week. This included several bushwalker weather alerts,” he said.
“Bushwalkers should always prepare for the worst. Our emergency service personnel often put their own lives at risk during rescues, so it is frustrating when the situation could have been avoided.”
If you’re planning to visit, please bring:
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Hiking shoes
- A fully charged mobile phone
- A map
- Food and water
“Our staff did an incredible job under tough conditions to ensure these walkers were safe,” said Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds.
“However, it’s vital to remember that we can’t guarantee successful rescues every time.
“We urge everyone to be fully prepared before heading out. If you’re in any doubt about the conditions, don’t take the risk,” she said.
For more information, visit hobartcity.com.au/kunanyi.
