A 46-year-old woman has been rescued after breaking her ankle while hiking on the rugged Larapinta Trail, about 55km west of Alice Springs.
The incident occurred near Hugh Gorge on section five of the trail, known for its challenging terrain. She activated her personal locator beacon (PLB) around 3pm on Wednesday, prompting a coordinated search and rescue effort.
Senior Sergeant Andrew Dunne said emergency services, including NT Parks and Wildlife rangers, quickly devised a plan.
A police officer and a St John Ambulance paramedic were flown in by helicopter around 5.40pm last Thursday, but due to the rough terrain, the chopper could only land 1.5 kilometres from the woman’s location.
By 8pm, the rescue team had reached her. “She was in good spirits,” Dunne reported. Police Sergeant Matt Hall, who was part of the operation, said they landed at Fringe Lily and then trekked approximately 4.5 kilometres through difficult country to reach her.
The paramedic administered first aid, and the team prepared to spend the night outdoors, enduring temperatures as low as 3°C.
Early the next morning, a second rescue group, including four police officers, four park rangers, and two NT Emergency Service volunteers, hiked in. They walked an additional 2.5 kilometres to meet the first team and helped carry the injured woman out on a stretcher.
“Although the terrain was tough, teamwork made a huge difference,” Sergeant Hall said. “Sharing the load and working together was key to the success of the mission.”
The woman has since been safely transported for medical treatment. Authorities praised her preparedness, particularly the use of a PLB, which significantly expedited the rescue.