Couple Rescued from Lake St Clair

Yesterday afternoon, a local group of two walkers aged in their 60’s activated a Personal Locator Beacon from the shores of Lake St Clair.

The man and woman had just finished a 10 day traverse in that area and were kayaking to the Visitors Centre when they encountered difficulties in the severe weather conditions.

At one stage during their trek, the pair entered the water and were unable to reach the Visitors Centre safely. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was deployed but due to the extreme weather, was unable to access the area. Members of the Tasmania Police Marine Division, Search & Rescue land squad and a Tasmania Ambulance wilderness paramedic were dispatched to the area where they reached the couple about midnight.

Officers used two smaller police vessels to access Lake St Clair and recover the walkers, who at that stage were suffering the effects of exposure to the elements.

The walkers were transported back to the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre where they received further medical treatment. They are expected to make a full recovery.

Acting Sergeant Callum Herbert said “Members involved showed great tenacity in accessing the waters during extremely difficult weather conditions with very high winds and waves. The walkers acted responsibly in setting off their Personal Locator Beacon at an appropriate time. Walkers planning to visit remote areas are reminded to plan their trip and check weather conditions.”