Lost in Sylvia Tops: A Hiker's Rescue, The Importance of a Beacon!

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In October 2024, I set out on the Sylvia Tops Route with the goal of reaching Devil’s Den Biv. Armed with a map, a tent, and extensive solo hiking experience on advanced South Island tracks, I felt confident. The track split from the Nina Hut route around 1 pm, giving me six hours of daylight to either reach the hut or find a suitable campsite. I knew campsites were available on the tops, so I had a backup plan if I didn’t make it in time.

The weather started fine with some clouds, but I expected cooler temperatures as I climbed higher. By the time I reached the bush edge, the wind and cold had picked up. To stay warm, I put on my beanie, raincoat, and other layers. Small patches of snow appeared, but they didn’t concern me. I continued toward Devil’s Den, leaving the last track marker behind and enjoying the favorable conditions.

Around 4 pm, I passed several potential campsites but kept moving, hoping to find something better at a lower altitude. As the light faded by 6 pm, I realized I needed to set up camp soon. I descended toward a clearing but found only dense beech forest and unsuitable campsites. Darkness quickly fell, and panic set in. The terrain became steeper and slipperier. My judgment was clouded by fear, and I knew I couldn’t risk falling into a hidden bluff. To avoid further sliding, I sat down on the slope and balanced my pack on a tree.

After an hour of deliberation, I decided to activate my rescueME PLB 1 beacon. Although I wasn’t injured, I was lost, and the risk of exposure, hypothermia, or injury was real if I continued moving in the dark. I propped the beacon on my pack and braced for a cold, sleepless night. Unfortunately, the dense canopy blocked the signal. Later, I discovered the beacon sent weak blips, which LandSAR in Christchurch initially thought were accidental.

As the night wore on, I realized the rescuers weren’t coming anytime soon. Moving the beacon slightly improved the signal. With this adjustment, the antenna reached the sky. Within hours, I heard the reassuring sound of a helicopter circling overhead. By mid-morning, it landed. The first responders quickly assessed my condition, helped me secure my gear for winching, and assisted me into a harness to be airlifted out.

The rescue was successful. We flew to Hanmer Springs for refueling before continuing to the Christchurch rescue base. The rescuers later agreed with my decision to call for help before the situation worsened. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the beacon that brought me the help I needed.

Since the rescue, I’ve been training with my local tramping club to improve my survival skills, including river safety, snow skills, and risk assessment.

I now recommend that all trampers, regardless of experience, carry a beacon. I’m living proof that even seasoned hikers can find themselves in dangerous situations where rescue is needed. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in my rescue and urge others to always be prepared.

Visdomsord

Please make sure you tell people your planned route and any possible alternate routes you may choose to take. Carry a PLB that has been registered and tested. Ensure you have sufficient battery and phone space (ideally a battery pack to recharge too) to use TOPOMAPS so that you can see where you are if lost. When it starts to get dark on more dangerous terrain, pitch a tent in a safe area and wait until morning when you will have the daylight required to make a sensible plan. If you do activate your beacon, remember that the canopy can interfere with its signal, so try to set it up away from vegetation, with an open view of the sky if possible.

Tack Obs till Ocean Signal Team

Thank you very much for designing and making the PLB that I used in this rescue. It meant that I had a back up plan to get to safety when my trip went wrong.

Thank you very much to the rescue team on the ground too for responding to my signal and taking me back to town when I was lost. I understand that the beech forest made it hard to read the signal, and I appreciate you persevering to save me.