Ocean Signal PLB1 Rescue from a Remote New Zealand Hut

What happened?

We were four hikers staying at a backcountry hut in New Zealand, more than a day’s hike from the nearest road. It was a remote location, and like many trips into the backcountry, we were relying on our preparation and the equipment we carried with us.

During the night, one of our group, Marc, became seriously unwell. He developed severe stomach issues and quickly grew very weak. As the hours passed, his condition continued to deteriorate. He developed a high fever, started shivering uncontrollably, was unable to stay warm, and struggled to move.

Recognizing that the situation was getting worse and that we were far from help, we made the decision to activate our Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1. At the same time, we attempted to message search and rescue, but knew that in such a remote area, the PLB was the most reliable way to call for assistance.

We waited and did what we could to keep Marc stable, but it was a stressful and uncertain period, not knowing how quickly help would arrive.

After about an hour and a half, we heard the helicopter overhead. Search and rescue had been able to locate us quickly using the PLB signal. Marc was safely evacuated and taken for medical care.

This experience reinforced how critical it is to carry a PLB in remote areas. Without it, getting help in time would have been extremely difficult.

Words of wisdom

Know your limits! Don’t be a hero, let the professionals help you in an emergency!

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Dear Ocean Signal Team,

Please keep up the good work, you are doing such an enormously good job! Now, I can say from my own experience that an emergency requires reliable, easy to use technology as you have been providing for a long time. In a moment of distress and fear, your PLB helped us stay calm, and focus on what really mattered: paying attention and helping the person in need while professionals are on their way to our exact location. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!