Two Tasmanian kayakers aged in their 60s have been rescued after severe weather hampered their activities yesterday afternoon.
Police say the pair 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 in safety,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania 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 pair at about midnight.
“Officers used a smaller police vessel to enter the Lake St Clair waters. Officers then used two police vessels to access and recover the walkers who at that stage were suffering the effects of exposure to the elements,” Police said.
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.
“Members involved showed great tenacity in accessing the waters during extremely difficult weather conditions with very high winds and waves,” said Acting Sergeant Callum Herbert from Search and Rescue.
“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.”
