An experienced hiker who was reported missing after failing to return from a planned nine-day skiing and hiking trip in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains was found alive on Sunday, emergency services said.
Cameron Little, 57, who set off from Guthega Power Station in Kosciuszko National Park on September 4, was located about 1 p.m. on Sunday by a NSW Rural Fire Service air crew in backcountry near Valentines Hut. He did not require medical treatment and was transported from the park for assessment by NSW Ambulance, authorities said.
A land and air search was launched on Saturday after Mr. Little failed to return home as planned and did not make further contact with family and friends. His blue Mitsubishi station wagon was found unattended at Guthega Power Station during the search, police said. Search efforts resumed at first light on Sunday and involved local police, PolAir, the Rural Fire Service, the State Emergency Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
NSW Fire and Rescue said the hiker was "found in good spirits" and escorted to a rescue helicopter on a snow-covered slope. NSW Police thanked the public and the emergency services involved and urged people to take safety precautions before undertaking hikes.
"When heading out for a hike or a bushwalk, people should have a fully-charged mobile phone, along with additional charging devices," NSW Police said in a statement. The statement also recommended that hikers carry a GPS-enabled personal locator beacon and submit a Trip Intention Form to the appropriate agency, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Authorities described Mr. Little as an experienced skier and hiker, and said his failure to return prompted grave concerns for his welfare. Search teams worked through difficult winter conditions in the alpine area during the multi-agency operation.
The case highlights ongoing safety challenges for solitary backcountry travel in alpine and remote areas, where rapidly changing weather and limited communications can complicate rescue operations. Emergency services reiterated established safety measures and the benefits of planning and communication tools designed to reduce risk and speed rescue responses when incidents occur.