Tasmania helicopter rescues prompt call for bushwalkers to carry devices

Two separate helicopter rescues in Tasmania on Saturday have prompted police to urge bushwalkers to carry communication devices. A 62-year-old New South Wales man fell 10 metres down a slope on Bruny Island, while a 44-year-old man fell ill on the west coast. The Bruny Island man, walking alone at Dennes Point, contacted emergency services by mobile phone at 10:30am and was rescued by a police roping team about 1pm. He stopped himself above a 40-metre cliff and was uninjured. The west coast man activated a personal locator beacon, and was flown to Royal Hobart Hospital. Police stressed the importance of carrying charged mobile phones or personal locator beacons, even on short walks, due to unstable coastal ground. They also reminded remote bushwalkers to bring sufficient food, water, and emergency shelter for unexpected delays.