Media release – Tasmania Police, 15 July 2024

Stranded bushwalkers, Walls of Jerusalem National Park

An operation to retrieve three stranded bushwalkers from the Walls of Jerusalem National Park in Tasmania’s Central Highlands is ongoing.

Inspector Michael Johnston said the group of two adults and a child activated a personal locator beacon (PLB) shortly before 4:30pm on Sunday.

“Authorities were notified that the trio had become lost in snow near Cathedral Mountain, and the child was believed to be suffering from hypothermia,” he said.

“We understand the group was planning a day walk, but were overpowered by the conditions they faced.”

“The inclement weather conditions meant the Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter was not able to fly, and a ground crew was organised instead.”

“A group of eight police, SES and Ambulance Tasmania personnel walked into the area last night, reaching the bushwalkers about half past two this morning.”

“Thankfully with the provision of food and warmth, the child’s condition improved overnight.”

“Challenging weather conditions meant the helicopter was still not able to fly into the area today, and walking out was not advisable given the challenges posed by the weather.”

“More provisions are being delivered to the group this evening, with further trained search and rescue personnel walking in.”

“The situation will be reassessed tomorrow.”

Stranded Hikers Still Trapped in Walls NP 3

Media release – Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES), 15 July 2024

Tasmania SES responds to requests for assistance in response to damaging winds and heavy rainfall

Since last night, Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES) crews have responded to 18 requests for assistance in the south of the state as severe weather and rain continues to impact the state. SES Northern Search and Rescue volunteers have also assisted Tasmania Police with the search activities in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park overnight and today.

“There are four Flood Advice Warnings current for Glen Dhu (Derwent Valley) and surrounds (monitor conditions), Coal River and surrounds (monitor conditions), Tahune, Judbury, Huonville and surrounds (monitor conditions) and Royal George, Avoca and surrounds (monitor conditions) as a result of the of the weather event that crossed the state overnight and into this morning,” said Acting SES Assistant Director Operations and Resources, Cheryl Ames.

“A severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology remains in place with damaging winds in King Island and parts of Western and North West Coast Forecast Districts expected to ease later today.”

“SES continue to coordinate flood intelligence and planning within the Southern Regional Operations Centre and for catchments within the northern region.”

“Rainfall is expected to continue across the state today and overnight into Tuesday with some elevated locations in the south east expected to see isolated totals of 80-100mm.”

“With damaging winds and rainfall continuing it’s important that people keep up to date with the weather forecast and warnings and remain safe.”

“With school holidays underway, we know that many Tasmanian families may be travelling or planning outdoor activities. We encourage everyone to make safe and sensible decisions and keep informed about the weather conditions when planning for the next few days.”

The State Emergency Service encourages everyone to make safe and sensible decisions and keep in formed about the weather conditions when planning for the next few days, and homeowners and residents should:

  • Prepare your home for potential impacts of damaging winds.
  • Secure outdoor items, including furniture and play equipment.
  • Supervise children closely.
  • Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
  • Beware of damaged trees and power lines, and take care when driving.
  • Manage pets and livestock.
  • Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
  • Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
  • Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.

“If you have to drive during the next couple of days, please remember advice from Tasmania Police to be safe on the roads, slow down, put your headlights on, and never drive through flood water on the roads.”

“Our SES volunteer crews remain ready to help. Their assistance can be requested by calling 132 500.”

In an emergency people should always phone Triple Zero (000).

SES advises that people can stay up to date with: