Men missing overnight in Kaimanawa Ranges in appalling weather conditions found safe and well

At around eight thirty last night Taupo's Greenlea Rescue helicopter was advised by the RCCNZ that a personal locating beacon (PLB) had been set off in the Kaimanawa ranges.

The beacon belonged to a group of three adventure style racers who had set off on Friday night from Kaimanawa road and intended to make their way east over to the Hawke's Bay by Sunday night.

After initially making good progress along their planned route they had become disoriented and subsequently lost due to the low cloud.

The beacon was set off last night (Saturday) however atrocious weather conditions prevented the helicopter flying until this morning.

Using the beacons encoded position and direction finding equipment the helicopter crew and Land SAR volunteers, some of whom had walked through the night in a attempt to reach the group, were able to spot the missing party and hover load them off the hillside.

They were transported back to Motuoapa.

The three missing men with the land sar volunteers

ENDS

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