A family of three trampers staying at a remote Coromandel hut became unlikely rescuers last night after police asked them to search for an 80-year-old man who had collapsed just 100 metres away.
At about 10pm yesterday, police were alerted to the missing elderly man who had become lost on the walk in the Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames.
He had collapsed on the track after running out of water and was wearing only shorts and a singlet, carrying no emergency supplies other than his mobile phone.
Inspector Mike Henwood said the man was "lucky to have his mobile phone".
Emergency services were able to pinpoint his location after the 80-year-old called his family and his son raised the alarm, according to police.
"He was only about 100 metres from Crosbies Hut," Henwood said.
A helicopter was dispatched but was unable to land due to worsening weather conditions. A second helicopter was also sent in, however it too was forced to turn back.
But police and Department of Conservation (DOC) inquiries found that a nearby tramping party, a mother and her two teenagers, were staying at Crosbies Hut.
They were then contacted to help find the lost man.
"The mother and her teens left Crosbies Hut and within a short time found the elderly man," Henwood said.
"They formed a human heat circle, helping the man to warm up, before returning to the hut to wait for a rescue team."
At first light, police search and rescue were able to reach the area safely and extract the man. Henwood said it was a "very close" call and praised the family for their actions.
"The elderly man was grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call.
"He was very close to not being able to continue, and if it weren’t for the family staying at the hut nearby, things could have been very different.
"If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on tramping trails, you need to be prepared for any eventuality."
Police reminded those heading into the bush, even those on short walks.
"It’s important to wear appropriate clothing and take food and water even for a short walk - especially if you’re not sure of the area," Henwood said.
"Emergency locator beacons are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception."
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