PLB1 Rescue Brings Hiker and Daughter Home Safely

What happened?

My daughter and I decided to take a spontaneous overnight hike together, hoping to enjoy some time in nature and return feeling refreshed.

Around six kilometers into our planned 10-kilometre walk, I slipped and badly injured my ankle. When I tried to stand, I discovered that I could not put any weight on it. With no way to continue walking or safely make our way out, activating our rescueME Personal Locator Beacon was the only option.

The weather was wet, making conditions difficult and preventing an immediate helicopter rescue. Instead, two Land Search and Rescue teams made their way to us on foot. We then faced a cold wait overnight until the weather improved enough for a rescue helicopter to reach us the following morning.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in bringing us to safety. From the clear communication with our family and friends at home to the care, skill, and dedication shown by the   teams, every part of the response helped us through a frightening and uncertain experience.

We are also extremely thankful for the exceptional skill of the helicopter crew who safely completed the rescue, as well as the follow-up care and support we received afterwards.

What began as a spontaneous overnight adventure quickly became a situation we could not manage alone. Having a PLB with us meant we could alert emergency services when there was no other safe way to get help.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in our rescue and helped ensure my daughter and I returned home safely.

Words of wisdom

Carrying grear for the worst case scenario is well worth it when it happens.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

We are so grateful to have our PLB with us, and for the incredible response from the moment it was activated. Thank you for everything that you do.