A Sensible Precaution That Became a Lifeline

2 lives saved

Hiking

Medical emergency

Mountain

Wind

What happened?

My wife and I planned to walk up the Hapuku River near Kaikoura and spend a night camping beside the lake. As relatively new hikers, the route seemed well within our abilities and ideal for an overnight adventure. The weather forecast called for high winds and some rain the following day, giving us a short window to complete the trip.

Before setting out, we stopped at the local Hunting and Fishing store to purchase an Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1, just in case something went wrong. It felt like a sensible precaution at the time. We arrived at the carpark and made our way steadily up the river, taking in the scenery and stopping for photos. We reached the lake just before dark and noticed the wind beginning to build. We spotted a campsite across the river and decided to cross while there was still some light.

During the crossing of the river, my partner slipped, soaking herself and everything in her backpack. We pushed on to the campsite, which turned out to be uneven and sloped, but darkness left us little choice. By then, the wind had strengthened noticeably. We secured the tent as best we could and prepared for a difficult night.

Around 11:00 pm, a powerful wind gust ripped the tent fly and snapped two poles, causing the tent to collapse. With our shelter destroyed, strong winds continuing, and my partner showing early signs of hypothermia, the situation became critical. We activated the rescueME PLB1 to call for help. Knowing the signal had been sent gave us immediate relief.

We are incredibly thankful to the rescue team who responded and brought us back to safety. Purchasing that PLB was the most important decision we made that day.

Words of wisdom

An Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB will be your guardian angel.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Thank you so much to the rescue co-ordination team who helped us, we will be forever grateful.