Perilous helicopter rescue in sub-zero temperaturesSuppliedIn near-whiteout conditions, rescuers needed two attempts to get to an Upper Hutt solo tramper caught in sub-zero temperatures in Tararua Forest Park. "We had to winch our flight paramedic down to him which, in itself, was quite challenging given the snow and the weather conditions. SuppliedLife Flight rescue helicopter crewman Colin Larsen said while the tramper had given good directions on his location, his bivouac was covered in snow, which meant finding him was a challenge. "He was located at around 11.30, but finding him was extremely difficult given the conditions. The thick, white blanket of snow and temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius meant it took two attempts before the man could be plucked to safety at Hells Gate, near Alpha Hut, on Sunday.

Source: Stuff August 08, 2016 03:47 UTC