scone.com.auPolice Update: Barrington Search
YESTERDAY at approximately 4:30pm three travellers who were on Bullocks Bush Road in the Barrington Tops in their 4WD have attempted to leave a campsite when their vehicle lost traction and they were unable to continue, so phoned police for assistance.
Unfortunately, the location they gave to police was unclear and since the travellers phones were going dead communication became difficult and police called the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to help locate the travellers and their vehicle.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended, however due to low cloud and rough conditions had to call off their search and return to base.
While the travellers were waiting for police instead of walking out the way they came decided to continue walking into the unknown bush, eventually returning to the Gummi Falls campground where there was other campers and waited for police.
Once police were able to locate them they said they no longer needed assistance and would stay at the campsite.
The incident has prompted police to remind bushwalkers to plan their journeys ahead of time, ensure sufficient food, water and warm clothing are always taken and to stay put and remain together when emergency services have been contacted in the case of an emergency.
Anyone entering the bush even for a short walk is reminded to think before you TREK:
T – Take adequate supplies of food, water, navigation and first aid equipment.
R – Register your planned route and tell friends and family when you expect to return.
E – Emergency beacons are available free of charge from police and National Parks and Wildlife Service.
K – Keep to your planned route and follow the map and walking trails.
Visit http://www.trek.nsw.gov.au for more information.
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