- Tasmanian Police used an inflatable boat to rescue the pair near Lake Mackenzie
- SOS call made from a satellite messenger device after weather trapped the pair
- Police praised the duo for being well equipped for an emergency situation
- Social media users critisised them for not observing the weather warnings
A mother and son had to be rescued in South Australia on Sunday night after a rapid change in weather conditions left them stranded and unable to make it back to their car.
Sonia and Daniel were in the midst of a three-day walk near Lake MacKenzie in Tasmania’s Central Highlands when they attempted to return to their vehicle, but were unable to cross the Fisher River to where it was parked.
Tasmania Police reports the pair made an SOS call from a satellite messenger device they were carrying with them.
A mother and son had to be rescued in South Australia on Sunday night after a rapid change in weather conditions left them stranded and unable to make it back to their car
Police traveled to the area with an inflatable dinghy, which they then used to return Sonia and Daniel to their vehicle on the other side of the river.
‘The pair were well equipped and in good spirits when we located them but I think the will take a little more notice of the weather next time,’ Sergeant Gillies said in a statement shared to Facebook.
‘This time of year is particularly hazardous when the weather improves and we have a cold snap that can be a serious problem if you are caught out unawares.’
Sonia and Daniel were in the midst of a three-day walk near Lake MacKenzie before needing to be rescued via police in an inflatable dinghy (above)
Fortunately the keen hikers had prepared for a potential emergency situation, but police said it could have been much worse.
‘This would have been larger scale search and rescue operation if they were reported overdue and unable to make contact for assistance.’
They said the satellite device had enabled police to respond to the call in a timely and efficient manner, making for an ‘appropriate and speedy response.’
While the rescue had a positive result, some social media users believed the situation could have been completely avoided, had the walkers paid attention to weather warnings.
‘We knew about this cold front 3 days ago! Madness for going out in this,’ one wrote, another adding: ‘A good result. Bush walker alerts have been issued nearly every day for the last week so this was a bold decision by these people to go ahead.’
Meanwhile, one commenter praised both sides of the rescue operation for the positive outcome: ‘Its good to actually see bushwalkers who were almost 100% prepared for an emergency.
‘Unlike some other cases we see. Good job Taspol and good job to the walkers for being prepared and keeping high spirits.’
Fortunately the keen hikers had prepared for a potential emergency situation, but police said it could have been much worse