Dramatic Mountain Rescue in Tasmania's Wilderness
Two young women have been dramatically rescued after spending a terrifying night stranded on Mount Anne in Tasmania's remote Southwest National Park during severe weather conditions.
The hikers, aged 22 and 23, made a desperate call to emergency services at 6.20pm on Monday, reporting they could no longer continue their trek due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and required immediate assistance.
Failed Initial Rescue Attempt
A rescue helicopter was immediately deployed to locate the stranded pair, but the mission had to be abandoned around 3am on Tuesday when extreme conditions made flying impossible. Winds exceeding 100km/h combined with heavy snowfall created dangerously unstable flying conditions.
The women eventually saw rescue come on Tuesday morning when conditions improved sufficiently for the helicopter to return. They were successfully winched to safety and assessed by paramedics, who confirmed they were in good health despite their traumatic experience.
Preparation Versus Extreme Conditions
Search controller Callum Herbert revealed to the ABC that the two women had shown foresight in their preparations, carrying essential equipment including:
- A tent for shelter
- Sleeping bags for warmth
- An emergency blanket
- An adequate food supply
Despite their reasonable preparation, the increasingly severe weather left them cold, wet and unable to continue their journey, highlighting how quickly conditions can overwhelm even well-equipped hikers.
Tragic Context and Safety Warnings
This rescue comes shortly after a tragic incident on October 3, where two female Chinese nationals in their 20s and 30s were found frozen to death near Cleve Cole Hut on Victoria's highest peak.
The contrast between the outcomes underscores the critical importance of preparation and decision-making in mountain environments. The Chinese consulate has since issued a warning to Chinese nationals travelling to Australia, urging proper preparation for outdoor activities.
Mount Anne, standing at 1,423 metres elevation within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness, is approximately 135km west of Hobart. The mountain is known among experienced walkers for its challenging conditions, including strong winds, low cloud cover and poor visibility that can change rapidly.
