Latest news with #NationalParksandWildlifeServices
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Whiteout blizzard leaves two hikers stranded on a popular walking trail
Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans."
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Specially designed Kerry boat will make Killarney Lakes accessible to all
Brothers Michael and Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours, based at Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, launched their new traditional open boat 'An Cathal' this weekend with family and friends, to make boating experience accessible for all people with challenges and different abilities. The traditional open boat 'An Cathal' is named in honour of their late Dad, Charlie Fleming, who operated Ross Castle Boat Tours until his untimely passing in 2024. Michael and Tony Fleming worked collaboratively with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, in the design and output of this inclusive tour boat, where people will now have the opportunity and support and enjoy Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and experience the beauty of the lakes, mountains and soaring White-tailed Eagles overhead. The specially designed boat is specifically for people with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs. 'An Cathal' is fitted with a fixed stairway to enable people access / egress the boat with ease and has fasteners built into the floor to allow wheelchairs to be securely attached. A key aspect is to support neurodiverse people. The boat is also fitted with a dedicated diversity section with a sensory box which will be carried in the boat. All the staff have completed 'AsIAm' Online Training. Assistance Dogs are also welcome on-board. Michael Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours said they were wanted to create a an 'inclusive outdoor experience' 'Our aim when we were looking at this project was to create an outdoor experience, particularly one that was inclusive and supported biodiversity across the Killarney National Park. So with the assistance and support from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Services) I think we delivered a much needed experience that really puts Killarney National Park on the map in terms of inclusivity.' 'We are committed to expanding our support services and are currently working on a Visual Guide for inclusion on our website. This will highlight what guests can expect on arrival and during a tour. We support quieter tours on request and early morning / late evening tours if required. ADVERTISEMENT NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Padruig O'Sullivan praised the new project. 'It is a great initiative for the National Park. It caters for people from all walks of life, especially people with challenges. It is part of the National Park Mission Statement, which is obligated to open the Park to all. The process and presentation with the Flemings from safety inspection to boat design was carefully drawn and collaborated with us. We are delighted to see it in operation today.' Also at the launch was NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Tricia Beecher, who said: 'It's such a great opportunity and wonderful initiative for Killarney National Park, for the public and for families, people of all abilities can now get out and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery we have in the Park. Lough Lein Anglers and Advocate for Wheelchair accessibility Timo O'Sullivan welcomed the new boat. ''I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time, it's a game changer making the lakes so accessible for young and old, it's a great facility both secure and safe.' Cllr Martin Grady said the Flemings were due great credit for making the lake accessible for people with disabilities. 'I'm sure their Father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition. '
