A family of six, including three children, was rescued late Saturday night (19/7) after becoming stranded in Mount Field National Park in southern Tasmania due to worsening weather conditions.
The group had embarked on a planned day hike earlier in the day, but deteriorating weather and heavy snowfall made the walking track impassable. By around 4.30pm, the family contacted police for help, reporting they were unable to continue safely through the snow-covered terrain.
Callum Herbert, the search coordinator, said the family was advised to return to the nearby Newdegate Hut and shelter there while rescue teams mobilised. The area had received about 30 centimetres of snow, and worsening conditions quickly ruled out the use of helicopters for the rescue operation.
“With the severe weather and poor visibility, aerial rescue wasn’t an option,” Mr Herbert explained. “We deployed a ground team composed of Tasmania Police officers and Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics, who trekked through snow to reach the stranded family.”
The rescue team arrived at Newdegate Hut shortly before midnight, where they found all six family members safe, though cold and wet from exposure. After assessing the situation, authorities determined it was too dangerous to attempt an overnight evacuation due to high winds, deep snow, and low temperatures.
“In those conditions, walking the family out could have posed additional risks,” said Mr Herbert. “Instead, the team provided warm clothing, medical attention, food, and sleeping bags to keep everyone safe and comfortable through the night.”
Read the full ABC story here.