Two hikers were successfully rescued after being stranded for 24 hours on a ledge in the Snowy Mountains, requiring emergency crews to navigate challenging weather and terrain.
In a daring and complex rescue operation, two young women were saved after they became stranded on a ledge during a hike in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. The incident occurred at Watsons Crags, where the hikers were caught out in rapidly changing weather conditions that included heavy winds and rain. Emergency crews from the New South Wales State Emergency Services (SES) faced considerable challenges due to the remote terrain and the urgency of the situation as nightfall approached.
The rescue took an exhaustive 24 hours, highlighting the difficulties that search and rescue teams confront in such dangerous environments. Local SES commander Chief Inspector Malika Bailey described the operation as one of their more challenging rescues due to the sheer scale of the cliffs, which required teams to abseil 350 metres to reach the stranded women. Their successful extraction emphasizes the critical importance of preparedness when trekking in the Australian Alps, especially during unpredicted weather shifts that can pose severe risks to hikers.
In light of this incident, authorities have reiterated the importance of recreation safety in the region, reminding outdoor enthusiasts to remain aware of the quickly changing conditions in the NSW Alps and to always have appropriate gear and plans in place. This event serves as a stark reminder to adventurers about the inherent risks of hiking in rugged environments and the need for better preparedness and caution before embarking on such journeys.
