Remote Hike Accident in Australia: Why Carrying a PLB1 Matters

1 lives saved

Hiking

Medical emergency

Mountain

Wind

What happened?

Years ago, after sliding roughly 40 meters down a steep gully in Beaumont Forest in southern New Zealand, I realized how dangerous remote terrain can be. Phone reception was no longer registering. If I had broken a leg I would not have been found alive. That was when I bought my first OceanSignal PLB1.

Recently, that decision proved critical during a family hike on the Lighthouse to Lighthouse trail in Beowa National Park in southeastern Australia. This remote three-day hike runs through dense forest, heath, and exposed coastal cliffs. On the final day, worsening weather brought strong winds and heavy rain as we packed up and headed toward Green Cape Lighthouse.

While crossing rock platforms near the cliffs, I stepped off an unseen drop. With a heavy, rain-soaked backpack, my legs collapsed on impact, leaving me in severe pain and unable to move. I was stranded on an exposed rock platform with wind and rain coming straight off the ocean.

My wife, daughter, and her friend reacted immediately, helping me move to a small sheltered area and setting up cover with our fly. With no cell reception, we activated the PLB1. Preventing hypothermia and shock became the priority, and with dry clothes, an emergency blanket, and a sleeping bag, I was able to stay reasonably warm.

Within about an hour, a rescue helicopter arrived and lowered a crew member to assess me. Worsening weather prevented further helicopter support, but emergency services reached me soon after. I was stretchered across difficult terrain to a 4WD ambulance and later transported to Bega Hospital, more than 100 kilometers from the accident site. Imaging later confirmed both quadriceps had ruptured and separated from my kneecaps. I was transferred to Canberra Hospital for surgery and am now working through a long recovery.

This experience reinforced how quickly things can go wrong in remote environments. I’m extremely grateful for my Ocean Signal PLB1, lightweight, easy to use, and proven to work when it mattered most.

Words of wisdom

Always have your PLB in remote areas.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

I’ve been carrying a PLB1 for years and it saved my bacon in 2025! Great product, light and lifesaving!