Ocean Signal PLB1 Rescue on Sabre Peak

What happened?

After completing the Hump Ridge Track, Max and I headed into Fiordland with plans to climb the North Buttress Direct route on Sabre Peak. We were well equipped for a three-day alpine mission, carrying climbing gear, bivvy equipment, spare food, warm clothing, and my Ocean Signal PLB1.

The climb itself went to plan initially, but the weather deteriorated far sooner than forecast. Rain turned heavy, visibility disappeared, and strong winds made progress increasingly difficult. After spending a cold and wet night near the summit, we began our descent in equally challenging conditions.

Hours of abseiling through cloud, rain, and exposed terrain left us soaked, exhausted, and dangerously cold. With worsening weather ahead and increasing risk of a slip or fall, we decided that continuing was no longer the safest option.

At 4:30 pm on April 8th, I activated my Ocean Signal PLB1.

Less than an hour later, a rescue helicopter arrived overhead, confirming our distress signal had been received. Unfortunately, the weather prevented an extraction, and we were forced to spend another night on a small mountain ledge. For the next 38 hours, we relied on our emergency shelter, sleeping bags, spare layers, and remaining food while waiting for conditions to improve.

When a weather window finally opened on the morning of April 10th, Southern Lakes Helicopter Rescue successfully winched us to safety. Although both of us were suffering from cold exposure and frostnip, we escaped without serious injury.

Looking back, carrying a PLB, packing the right survival equipment, and making the decision to stop and call for help early were critical to the outcome. In remote environments, conditions can change rapidly, and being prepared can make all the difference.

A huge thank you to Southern Lakes Helicopter Rescue, Southland Police, and everyone involved in bringing us safely home. Their professionalism and dedication ensured our adventure ended as a survival story rather than a tragedy.

Words of wisdom

Again, I cannot emphasize the importance of wearing and packing the correct kit, and having a PLB and/or satellite communication in these remote environments. The importance of knowing your limits when facing an adverse situation and making a decision to stop and seek help. The importance of being prepared to have to wait to be rescued if the conditions are deemed unsafe and a risk to the volunteer rescue and helicopter crew. Stay safe out there, folks!

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Thank you again to Richie, Dave, Snow and Lloyd at Southern Lakes Helicopter Rescue and to Sergeants Dougall Henderson and Ian Martin from Invercargill police for the reassuring satellite communication and for their dedication and determination to safely rescue Max and me.