Tasmanian Hikers Found Safe Larapinta Trail

[Overlandman]

Two hikers from Tasmania who set off an emergency beacon on a Central Australian walking track have been found safe.

NT Police Duty Superintendant Brendan Muldoon said the beacon was set off just after 4:00pm on Saturday but a helicopter search initially failed to find the pair, who were walking along the Larapinta Trail.

The search by helicopter recommenced on Sunday morning and the pair were found just before 9:00am (ACST).

Police said the couple were safe with no major medical concerns.

The emergency beacon was registered to a Tasmanian husband and wife, who started to walk the trail on May 18.

The 69-year-old male and 53-year-old female were said to be experienced bushwalkers.

The Larapinta Trail is a 223-kilometre walking trail that begins near Alice Springs and ends at Mt Sonder in the West MacDonnell National Park.

[Aushiker]

Anyone have more details on why the EPIRB was set off given the statement of "no major medical conditions."

Glad they where found okay but surprised not found on the initial search.

Andrew

[whitefang]

From the ABC (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-31/tasmanian-hikers-missing-on-larapinta-trail-found/6509778):

It is understood the beacon was set off after the man suffered a hand injury.

[Zone-5]

What does it cost a hiker for a heli rescue?
I would imagine it would cost many $1,000's!

[Strider]

What does it cost a hiker for a heli rescue?
I would imagine it would cost many $1,000's!

Free of charge.

[north-north-west]

Would have to be a bad injury to necessitate evacuation. And after ten days you'd think they'd be pretty close to the end, or at least to a spot they could walk out to the highway. Be interesting to hear more about this one.

[Zone-5]

What does it cost a hiker for a heli rescue?
I would imagine it would cost many $1,000's!

Free of charge.

NO WAY! Ambulance services are not free so why should this be?

For me at a minimum would be an injury requiring immediate medical intervention!

So what insurer covers this and who ultimately pays for it? Don't tell me it's part of the 23% increase in our Emergency Services tax on top of the previous years 800% increase!!!

It's about time us bush walkers took out dedicated insurance for this else at least be forced to pay a significant proportion of the rescue costs to promote the uptake of insurance.

[photohiker]

Yep, it's free.

We all pay for it when we pay tax. That way, we all pay a very little bit to fund the service. Much better than a few people paying a lot to fund their own potential rescue. You can do that BTW, but it costs thousands per year.

[Zone-5]

I have insurance for it under my medical insurance for overseas travel and so it makes sense to include it for Australia as well.

Difficulty of terrain is not a consideration in my rescue plan... I consider myself worth it!

[Aushiker]

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has put out a press release on rescues on the Larapinta Trail. Apparently three in the past 10 days.

Andrew

[north-north-west]

Interesting. Thanks for that.

It's a great walk, but I wouldn't consider it to be that much of a challenge for a reasonably experienced walker. I actually found it easier and quicker going than expected. You just have to be prepared for the conditions. As always.

[Travis22]

Going off the media release it sounds like at least 2 of the 3 accidents could have happened to anyone. One fell and fractured ribs and one badly damaged hand, least they didnt get lost or failed to have the right gear etc.

Travis.